Watch Salma

Salma is a heart-touching and inspiring biographical documentary film that traces the journey of an Indian Muslim girl named Salma, who had to fight against the patriarchal conventions of her village to become a renowned poet and writer. The film, directed by Kim Longinotto, premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its depiction of the struggles and triumphs of a feminist icon.

The film begins with Salma narrating her life story in her own words, as we see a series of picturesque shots of her village in southern India. Salma explains how she was born into a conservative Muslim family, where girls are not allowed to go to school, wear modern clothes, or choose their own partners. Despite these limitations, Salma was a curious and rebellious child, who loved to read books and write poetry secretly in her room.

As she grew up, Salma's father arranged her marriage to a man who was twice her age, and she was sent to live with his family. In this new environment, Salma faced numerous challenges, as her husband and in-laws were not supportive of her interests and talents. However, she kept writing her poetry secretly and shared it with her female relatives and friends through oral recitation.

The turning point in Salma's life came when her brother gifted her a computer and taught her how to use it. With the help of technology, Salma was able to break the silence imposed upon her by the social and cultural norms of her village. She started writing her poetry on the computer and sharing it with the world through the internet. This led to her gaining recognition and fame in the literary circles of India and beyond.

The film covers a wide range of themes, including gender inequality, social taboos, religious tensions, family dynamics, and artistic expression. Through Salma's story, we see the complex interplay of these forces and how they shape the lives of women in rural India. We also witness the power of art and writing in challenging the dominant narratives of society and empowering marginalized voices.

The filmmaking style of Salma is both poetic and observational. Longinotto lets the visuals and the sounds of the village speak for themselves, without resorting to unnecessary commentary or explanation. The use of natural lighting and ambient sounds creates an immersive and authentic atmosphere, and the shots of everyday life in the village are both breathtaking and mundane.

One of the strengths of the film is the way it combines intimate interviews with Salma and her family members with wider contextual information about the socio-political situation in India. We get to hear the voices of other women in the village who have struggled with similar issues, such as forced marriages, domestic violence, and economic marginalization. This gives the film a collective dimension, where Salma's individual story becomes a representative one of a larger social movement.

Another powerful aspect of the film is the role of poetry in Salma's life and in the film itself. We hear Salma reciting her own poetry in Tamil, which is then translated into English subtitles. This creates a rhythm and a musicality that enhances the emotional impact of the film. Moreover, the use of poetic language helps to convey the complex emotions and ideas that are sometimes difficult to express through conventional narrative.

In conclusion, Salma is a beautiful and moving film that celebrates the resilience and creativity of a remarkable woman. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the meaning of freedom, justice, and love. The film's message is universal and relevant to anyone who cares about human rights and artistic expression. Watch it and be inspired.

Salma is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.