The ‘Raipur International Film Festival’ opened with ‘Haat — the weekly Bazaar’ film depicting plight of women in rural pockets of Rajasthan. The film festival is being organised jointly by Chhattisgarh Film and Visual Art Society (CFVAS), World India Foundation (WIF), New Delhi and State Culture Department. Renowned Bollywood artist Om Puri, famous photographer Raghu Rai, celebrated painter Jantin Das along with several others took part in the opening ceremony.
Directed by Seema Kapoor and produced by National Film Development Corporation the ‘Haat — the weekly Bazaar’ revolves around life of a woman who has been accused of infidelity by her husband. In the film, the Panchayat finding her guilty imposes fine of Rs30,000 or punishment of parading her naked in village. Through different incidents in the life of the protagonist film tries to reveal the exploitive mindset of society towards a woman. At the climax of movie women in village revolt against the Panchayat’s decision. The film tries to leave the message that woman have to stand themselves for their respect and dignity.
The film received good response which was followed by interactive session between viewers, film director and actor Om Puri. Interacting with audience Om Puri said, “The Government has made several provisions and laws for protection of women. These laws are there for women in cities. However, they are not reaching women in poor and deprived sections.” There has been lot of changes in the status of women in society. A few decades back, women were seen only in teaching or banking professions.
But now, they are competing with men in every section of society be in medical, engineering space, police army or others, Puri opined. ‘Jai ho democracy’ directed by Ranjeet Kapoor was also screened in the festival. The festival will conclude on March 14 in presence of Union Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd) VK Singh.