PROJECTS AND CAMPAIGNS : SAMABHAV INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SIFF), 5TH EDITION, CHENNAI 2023
"From Reel to Real: Traversing the Path to Gender Equity."
SStraight Circles Foundation (SCF) was proud to collaborate with Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) in hosting the 5th Edition of the SamaBhav International Travelling Film Festival, marking its first-time presence in Chennai.
Since 1993, MAVA has been a pioneering force in engaging young boys and men in India to confront gender discrimination and toxic masculinity. Their efforts have reached impressive milestones, mentoring over 1000 young men and influencing more than 600,000 youth. MAVA champions the rights of women and other gender minorities, ensuring they live with dignity and safety.
SamaBhav meaning Equanimity is a unique and one-of-a-kind event that has engaged over 10,000 university and college youths and civil society members in 31 cities and 14 rural districts across India. The festival showcases specially curated films that cover a range of gender and sexuality themes, including gender-based discrimination and violence against women, challenging misogyny, toxic masculinity, and patriarchy, LGBTQIA+ issues, homophobia and transphobia, intersectionality, and gender binaries. Post-screening deliberations and interactive conversations with experts help to develop a fresh and gender equitable perspective among young people.
The festival in Chennai was held on April 22nd and 23rd, 2023, showcasing over 19 films with engaging stories, powerful characters, and bold, unconventional subjects. Interactive panel events featuring eminent film personalities and social activists were a highlight. Impactful campaigns and theatre play interventions during the festival not only raised awareness about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion but also empowered people to take action and be a voice for themselves and the underrepresented.
The films aimed to spark conversations and inspire positive change, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes towards the glaring stigma that exists in the world.
Following the Chennai festival, our journey led us to the SamaBhav Film Festival in Kochi, held at Sacred Heart College. Our Founder and Director, Lavanya Soman, joined as a panelist alongside notable figures such as Jeo Baby, Sheethal Satish, Dr. Asha Achy Joseph, Anagh, Samuel Joseph, and Deepak Nair. It was inspiring to witness a unified support among the panelists.
The momentum continued as we were invited to Mumbai for the SamaBhav International Film Festival Dissemination Meet, hosted at the Dosti House within the US Consulate. This event, organized by MAVA, was a crucial gathering for thought leaders and activists. Lavanya Soman, joined other passionate individuals in discussions that centered around gender equity. It served as a dynamic forum for dialogue, bringing together courageous voices in solidarity to challenge traditional discourse and advocate for impactful change in gender equality.
Glimpses from SIFF, Chennai...
