i've just finished watching the film water, screened on maori television tonight. i've pretty much managed to stop crying but the ache remains. not just for the widows in india, but for all those who are abused aroung the world. the women who have no choice other than death to escape the life they live. it's not only the social taboos binding them which are tragic, but those who take advantage of their poverty and ignorance. those who prey on the helpless and add to their misery.
i'm not sure if i have a point to this post, other than as an outlet for what i feel just now. life should never be like this for anyone.
sometimes it seems we get so lost in petty arguments that we forget about the suffering of the innocent. we forget about the social change that needs to happen in order for that pain to stop. and i get so frustrated at the resistance to change, the excuses. especially when i know that those who resist do recognise the injustice happening before their eyes. the mere possibility of losing their power, their privilege which results from the way their society is structured, is enough for them to continue to defend the status quo.
i think that so much of what we do on this blog is an attempt to push for change. and i honour all my fellow bloggers who keep at it, even though we often get comments telling us we're being petty, or that we're nitpicking or that there just isn't any problem at all.
7 comments:
I havent't seen Water but I have seen Fire. Have you? It was pretty incredible. And disturbing. There was one character in it that I will never forget. I can't tell you why if you haven't seen the film though ; )
yes, i've seen both earth and fire, both of them excellent films. it has been quite a few years though, so not sure that i'll remember the character that you do!
but deepa mehta shows why we need more women making films. there just isn't anywhere near enough of that in hollywood or bollywood.
there just isn't anywhere near enough of that in hollywood or bollywood.
Or anywhere else, really. They're about as rare as female heads of state and sometimes I think they attract similar forms of resentment.
I too cried and cried when I saw Water, a couple of years ago. Such a powerful movie. Thanks for posting about it.
Stargazer, thanks for acknowledging the pushing for change that we try to do via THM (and elsewhere). Clearly, we all take social justice issues pretty seriously - and I for one get quite demoralised at times by negative responses. That's the downside of wearing your heart on your sleeve - and I'm sure I'm not the only THMer who feels that way!
These movies sound fantastic, although I have to admit I hadn't heard of them until now.
Credit where it's due to Maori TV - they show some very high quality films and docos.
I havent seen these movies, but have just watched revolutionary road.
Wow what an impact that has had on me, I know its hollywood etc, but the whole concept of no way out and abortion not being available is just mind blowing when you watch the movie.
also how untreated mental health issues are for some women. I would totally recommend watching this movie
yes, definitely credit to maori tv. they're the only free to air channel who consistently show foreign language films & it's nice to get non-western stories and perspectives.
re the deepa mehta trilogy, it's definitely worth popping over to a decent video store and getting these out. they are three stories that have nothing to do with each other, but are extremely powerful.
i also really enjoyed "little miss sunshine" on saturday night.
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