Rajani Basumatary's "Gorai Phakari" (Wild Swans) recently clinched the prestigious Hiralal Sen Memorial Award for Best Indian Language Film at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival, accompanied by a generous prize of Rs 10 lakh. The film, characterized by an all-female cast and predominantly female crew, resonates deeply with its portrayal of women navigating a patriarchal society recuperating from prolonged armed conflict.
The narrative of "Gorai Phakari" orbits around the lives of resilient women amidst a landscape shaped by historical armed strife. Premiering at the Vancouver International Film Festival '23, the film intricately weaves together the stories of village women uniting against entrenched patriarchal norms amid the backdrop of conflict.
For director Rajani Basumatary, the recognition at KIFF carries immense significance, not just for the accolade but also for the financial support it offers to independent filmmakers. The film's core narrative spotlights the empowerment of four distinct women, each grappling with the aftermath of armed conflict. Two single mothers shoulder the responsibilities of raising their children under disparate circumstances – one widowed by the conflict, the other with a husband serving in the military.
The film's storytelling takes an intriguing turn when a video leak implicates one of the daughters, adding layers of complexity to the women's lives. Among them resides a middle-aged survivor of gang rape, ostracized by her husband despite being a victim of military brutality. A doctoral student's visit to the village for research exposes her to the multifaceted impacts of militarization and patriarchy on these women's daily existence.
Basumatary's film delves into the deeply ingrained roots of patriarchy in culture, even among the educated, echoing the sentiments of the film's editor, Tinni Mitra, an alumnus of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute. Mitra emphasizes the persistence of patriarchy, particularly in educated circles, while acknowledging the film's role in fostering discourse on gender equality.
The film's production, featuring an all-female cast, proved to be a departure from conventional expectations in the village, where audiences anticipate male 'heroes' on screen. Basumatary's deliberate choice to solely feature female actors aimed to challenge such norms and pave the way for a different cinematic narrative.
"Gorai Phakari" stands as a poignant testament to the endurance and strength of women amidst societal adversity, initiating vital conversations on gender parity and resilience in conflict-ridden settings.
