SUNDANCE 2021: Writing with Fire

CW: R*pe mention

Writing with Fire is a documentary that highlights Khabar Lahariya, India's only newspaper run by Dalit women. They report on the problems in their society and attempt to make all the change they are collectively capable of. Living in a profoundly sexist caste system, these women take power for themselves, pointing fingers at their officials as they demand answers and solutions to greater problems for the sake of their communities. Now possessing over half a million subscribers on Youtube grown over the past five years of filming the doc, the group has taken to worldwide digital success in addition to that of their local print.

However, these reporters need the respect of no one; they were taking it long before their notability. Established in 2002 and having won several awards for their work, Khabar Lahariya demonstrates the use and development of all the tools in their arsenal. With evident care for their craft, they transition from print to digital to reach a wider audience. In a meeting, they are circled on the floor discussing their expansion that is of the greatest importance and possibly even danger as they demonstrate how smartphones will be used for their video journalism. Their laser-sharp focus makes it feel as though I've never known what an important thing was in my life. However, this feeling is well-founded, as we see that these women are hyper-aware of their place and the consequences that their actions can have on society, something that mainstream journalism lacks.

In one of the opening scenes, we see the personal responsibility these women, especially the lead journalist Meera, take upon themselves in their reporting. For example, Meera meets with a woman who was raped and ignored by the police. She goes to the police station herself to speak with the men in power and demand answers. An 'I don't know' is never enough, and she wouldn't be doing her job if it was.

Apart from the journalists' displays of strength and fortitude, the documentary also highlights some of the less tense moments that come with their jobs; there's also the intimate joys of belonging to an organization that they are passionate about. In a touching scene where the journalists take a snowy retreat, they discuss their hopes and dreams for their publication. The sincerity and delight in their voices as they discuss following in the footsteps of those before them, becoming even better journalists, and helping to pave the way for those that come after them, is a much-needed reprieve from their struggles. It is a reminder that these women are in it for themselves just as much as they are in it for their communities.

The entire film serves as a reminder to women and other marginalized people that no matter our paths, our causes are always much greater. We can and should affect change no matter what rung of the latter we are on. The documentary is not a call to action. It only intends to shine a light on the reporters taking action for themselves and their communities every day. The strength and earnestness with which they commit to their convictions for justice and democracy will inspire you to live in their images.

By Jessica Vance

(she/her)

Edited by Halima Jibril