SHIFT FOCUS

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Arunaraje Patil Gaahimedia

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The other day, a friend of mine asked, 'there is so much trolling - women are always run down and accused of something or the other - what they wear, who they date etc. etc. so is women empowerment a farce?
There are two issues here. The trolling and women empowerment and both need attention.
For thousands of years women have been suppressed and subjugated - societies not just in India but the world over are male dominated and patriarchal. Even in countries that speak so much and so loudly still dominate women denying them agency over their minds, bodies, thoughts, opinions, choices and actions. Take the United States and the anti-abortion law in recent times.
By and large, men feel threatened every time a woman takes a decision on her own. It may be her father, brother, husband or even a son. Sometimes, totally unconnected people, men or women, may feel threatened by some woman's action. What is the threat really about?
Loss of power, loss of control! Why people gang up and troll or even gossip is because there is both strength and safety in numbers. Why they label and ostracize women when they make independent and bold decisions is for the same reason. They are afraid more and more women will follow suit especially when the woman in question is a celebrity or a social media influencer. In fact, when I made 'Rihaee' 34 years ago, I was accused of 'spoiling the women' with my independent and feminist thinking.
We are still a long way off in actually granting equal status to women though the Constitution demands that we do. As women we have to continue to live from our choices, regardless of what people say as long as we don't cause hurt or damage. It's a battle every step of the way to get men to understand that we are equal beings, with equal rights, to live the way we want.
Talking about women empowerment or striving for it, is not a farce. Male domination and male supremacy has been there for so long that women also have been conditioned to not only accept it but support it too. Most of them in the struggle for survival have forgotten who they are and who they can be and continue to toe the patriarchal line.
It's important to educate men and women to create a new equation based on mutual respect, love and understanding. It's important to instill confidence in women and reassure men from the perceived threat which could come from women and their newfound independence.
People's lives and choices are their own, regardless of gender, and I believe nobody, nobody has any business to question them. But thanks to social media everybody, who is a nobody or anybody, has found a voice to speak whatever they want, even give an opinion on matters which require expertise! So often, one is shocked to hear the ignorance that comes out of people's mouths just to be heard or make a point. According to Plato, the Greek philosopher, "Opinion is the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding." So I would say to those at the receiving end - just ignore.
An opinion is just a point of view coming from the speaker's perspective and not only are there many perspectives but many truths. They reveal more about the person commenting than the person commented upon. A healthy exchange is important but to air one's views which are hurtful and toxic to another is detrimental for peaceful coexistence.
Lastly, regarding the status of women, I don't know how long it will take to change but I do believe it will change. Every step is like a baby step but eventually you do reach your destination if you keep going! Only the other day, our country chose a woman President from a tribal community and the Supreme Court ruled that we can't deny choices of abortion to unmarried women.
However, we can't wait for that one day, when things will be different. Life is happening right now and a moment is gone before I even complete the sentence. Moments becoming minutes, becoming hours, becoming days, becoming years . . . We have to live now, live free! Freedom comes with responsibility and each of us has a right to take flight and live a life of our choice unencumbered! So let's fly right now!

There was a book release in Kolkata of a book on the women of FTII in which Ms. Arunaraje Patil was called to speak as a chief guest. We had a fabulous launch - 100 books were sold on Amazon by evening. The book is called Balancing the Wisdom Tree: Anthology of FTII's women Alumni.

Celebrating the spirit of womanhood!!
- We are happy to invite all of you for a live online chat with National award-winning filmmaker, author and Life Coach Arunaraje Patil.
Join us and share your joys, successes, aspirations, challenges and even ask your questions on Life & Cinema in this interactive session.

Date - March 13th, 2022
Timing - 11.00 am to 1.00 pm

To register for the event and avail of this wonderful opportunity, fill this form: https://forms.gle/rLEkWoswvXE2Fzj36

.filmfestival
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***h Is Here!
Aruna Raje Patil’s film Gehrayee was our opening film today. She was present for the screening and lit our inauguration lamp!

We are still mesmerised by the film and her craft. If you haven’t seen this gem yet please do watch it online.

MEGA MOVIEMAKER FILM COURSE

NĀRAT USA , SHIFT FOCUS- a school for Cinema & Life in association with University of Theatre And Film Arts Budapest presents you an 18-day film course in Budapest, Hungary.

Learn the basic ropes of filmmaking from ARUNARAJE, acclaimed multiple award-winning writer-editor Director and do a camera performance acting workshop with the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest, established in 1865!

ONLINE: 4th - 11th March, 2022
OFFLINE: 15th - 27th March, 2022 at Budapest, Hungary

For enquiries and to enroll for the course contact us on +91-9321979388 or [email protected]

MEGA MOVIEMAKER FILM COURSE
NĀRAT USA & SHIFT FOCUS- a school for Cinema & Life in association with University of Theatre And Film Arts Budapest presents you an 18-day film course in Budapest, Hungary.
Learn the basic ropes of filmmaking from ARUNARAJE, acclaimed multiple award-winning writer-editor Director and do a camera performance acting workshop with the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest, established in 1865!
ONLINE: 4th - 11th March, 2022
OFFLINE: 15th - 27th March, 2022 at Budapest, Hungary
Contact us on +91-9321979388 or [email protected] to know more.

MEGA MOVIEMAKER FILM COURSE

NĀRAT USA , SHIFT FOCUS- a school for Cinema & Life in association with University of Theatre And Film Arts Budapest presents you an 18-day film course in Budapest, Hungary.

Learn the basic ropes of filmmaking from ARUNARAJE, acclaimed multiple award-winning writer-editor Director and do a camera performance acting workshop with the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest, established in 1865!

ONLINE: 4th - 11th March, 2022
OFFLINE: 15th - 27th March, 2022 at Budapest, Hungary

For enquiries and to enroll for the course contact us on +91-9321979388 or [email protected]