Watch Writing With Fire

Writing With Fire is a groundbreaking documentary film from India that tells the inspirational story of a team of fearless women journalists who risk their lives to report on the issues that matter most to their community. The film follows Meera Devi, Shyamkali Devi, and Suneeta Prajapati, the founding members of Khabar Lahariya, an all-female news organization based in the rural town of Banda, Uttar Pradesh.

The film opens with a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by women in India, as we see news footage of a brutal gang rape and murder. This tragic event inspired Meera, Shyamkali, and Suneeta to start their own newspaper, which would focus on the untold stories of rural communities, especially those of women and marginalized groups. The film then takes us on an intimate journey into the world of Khabar Lahariya, as we witness the daily struggles and triumphs of these courageous journalists.

The women of Khabar Lahariya face numerous challenges as they navigate the patriarchal society they live in. Many of their sources are reluctant to speak to them, as they fear backlash from their oppressors. Furthermore, the team is constantly threatened and harassed by politicians, police officers, and even their own families, who all view their work as a threat to the status quo. Despite these obstacles, the journalists remain determined to have their voices heard and to bring about real change in their community.

One of the key themes of the film is the power of storytelling. We see the impact that the journalists' reporting has on their readers, who are often moved to action after reading an article. For example, when Khabar Lahariya exposes a corrupt school principal who took bribes from students' parents, the story causes outrage in the community and leads to the principal being fired. Similarly, when the journalists report on a local farmer who died by suicide due to his debts, their story prompts the government to offer financial assistance to his family.

The film also highlights the importance of sisterhood and solidarity in the face of adversity. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, the women of Khabar Lahariya support each other through the toughest of times. They share laughs, tears, and even clothes as they work together to get their stories out to the world. We see how their bond gives them the strength to persevere in the face of the daily threats and challenges they receive.

Finally, the film presents a powerful critique of the media industry in India. The mainstream media, which is dominated by men from upper-class backgrounds, often ignores the stories of rural communities and marginalized groups. Khabar Lahariya, on the other hand, provides a platform for these voices to be heard. The film shows us that journalism can be a tool for empowerment, but only if it is done with integrity and a commitment to social justice.

In conclusion, Writing With Fire is a must-see documentary that sheds light on the incredible work being done by a group of women journalists in India. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to us all, and the film leaves us with a sense of hope for a better, more just world.

Writing With Fire is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 84.