Writing with Fire

One of the most important films to come out of India in the recent past...and probably one that will stand the test of time for the world. While on the face of it, this is a charming story located in the lives of its powerful protagonists, almost lulling you into a 'feel-good' space, by the end of the film, it's actually a visceral gut-punch. The storytelling is nuanced, balanced and self-effacing, not employing those typical cinema tricks we're so used to as audiences now, doing very little to distract from the film's amazing characters. Needless to mention, gorgeously filmed in spaces and moments that are clearly both dangerous and difficult to be in. The storytelling in Writing With Fire is an act of restraint, a rarity these days, which drew me to it. I could say a lot more but I won't. This is a stunning film. And one that must be watched by all. Period.

Solid, Oscar-nominated documentary (part of the PBS Independent Lens series) that not is not flashy and lets the subject matter be front-and-center.

This documentary display real-life circumstantial extension of the dangers that investigative journalism faces when inching closer to a corrupted truth, lingeringly becoming an eye-opening realization on how other extremities could get unveiled if this is leading examples socially and ethically. A fierce expansion similarly tested before in few other platforms in growing significant awareness regarding generationally seeded publisher's withstanding legacy of passionate pursuit towards a societal critical truth. As briefly said, the title's truly self-descriptive on the broadened deliverance's insightful impact spreading across another platform to not just profile the publisher's revolutionary mission but proudly as captured governmental exposure from an affected passerby distance with limited interactions confirming suspicions. (B+)

In a land steeped in an archaic caste system and dominated by males and prejudice against women, the groundbreaking journalism performed by these brave women is nothing short of heroic.

Stories of burgeoning journalism are enough for a movie, but Khabar Lahariya, the only news agency in India run by Dalit (oppressed-caste) women makes for a remarkable and uplifting documentary feature. It's hard not to get swept into what these ladies are trying to do. At the same time it's tough not to notice all the men who rule the country. It would have been nice to learn more about the Hindi/Muslim conflicts in the country, but it just wasn't brought up for more than a moment. Worth a watch if you're a journalist or a fan of docs or just like keeping up with foreign affairs! Final Score: 8/10

An interesting documentary on many different fronts, which showcases an Indian news organization ran and staffed entirely by women. While I definitely learned a lot from this doc it never felt entirely focused on delivering a core singular message. I had no idea journalism in India had become such a dangerous occupation, and while I now understand that is the case, I never really got that feeling from any of the journalist's experiences in this doc. I found the scenes exploring the organization's shift from print to digital quite interesting, as we see how modern technology can both improve a company, and at the same time make a job more daunting for employees. There were many aspects of the Indian justice system, political system, as well as their over all culture, that naturally leak in as well, giving viewers a lot of surface level information on a variety of subjects while never digging too deep into any single story or topic.

An daring log of honorably determined people fighting the odds and their culture.

There are some movies you've got to see just because they are so uplifting , true and without any gimmicks. "Chariots of Fire" was one such story, albeit with some artistic license exercised. "Writing with Fire" is even better - totally unvarnished, totally true, and unbelievable even after one sees this video evidence. This is the extraordinary story of downtrodden women in India banding together to do video journalism that is highly relevant to their communities. They have two strikes against them from birth - they are from the lowest caste in India, and they are women. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, they use smartphones and YouTube to investigate and publicize community issues including rapes and hold the politicians' feet to the fire. (Many of them did not know how to use a smartphone partly because they did not know enough English to navigate the controls.) Remarkably, they make a huge difference to the communities through their YouTube channel called "Khabar Lahariya", which proves to be very popular. They are a work in progress but already accomplished so much that this film is a must-see testament to the human spirit. The following quote from one of the women sums up their story: "Our future generations will ask us ‘When our country was changing and the media was silenced, what were you doing?' Khabar Lahariya can confidently say ‘We have been holding the powerful to account. We made journalism the voice of democracy. We didn't let the fourth pillar fall. And we continue to hold a mirror to society'."

In an age when journalism has become increasingly suspect, unreliable and untrustworthy, it's comforting to know that there are still committed media organizations out there devoted to reporting with honesty, integrity and a burning desire to uncover the truth. And it's heartening to note that some of this work is coming from some unlikely sources. Such is the case with Khabar Lahariya, the only newspaper/online news channel in India run entirely by women -- and those of the Dalit caste, the so-called often-maligned segment of society crassly known as "the untouchables." What began as a venture that many believed was destined to fail, the organization has blossomed into a widely followed media outlet, with over 150 million viewers of its YouTube channel. Working from the northern Indian state of Uttar Prahesh, Khabar Lahariya has come to play an influential role in helping to effect meaningful social and cultural change. The staff has tirelessly reported on such topics as victimization against women, illegal mining, mob activity, corrupt and negligent government practices, insufficient infrastructure planning and programs, and the rise of political fundamentalist movements, often helping to spur on much-needed reforms. Directors Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas have compiled a thorough, up-close look at this group of truth seekers in their Oscar-nominated documentary feature debut, often placing their own lives in jeopardy in following this band of intrepid journalists into dangerous situations where their reporting places them in potentially grave peril. Viewers should be aware, however, that they may experience some sound quality issues in streaming this release, as I did when I watched it (background sounds and the film's score came through loud and clear, but the dialogue was problematic; thank goodness for subtitles). This glitch aside, however, "Writing with Fire" is exactly what its title says it is -- a passionate, inspiring story about a group of truth seekers who have refused to give up at a time when it's become all too easy for many of us to do so. Good for them -- and, ultimately, for us.

An honest, hard hitting, and much-needed story of courage in the face of adversities and systemic hurdles; women speaking truth to power! The only journalism movie you will want to watch this year!!