Pune: An international travelling film festival that uses cinema to question entrenched ideas around gender, masculinity and sexuality, SamaBhav, will feature in Pune this weekend and tell stories sparking uncomfortable but necessary conversations.The festival is curated around themes of gender diversity and social justice, and aims to be a catalyst for dialogue, reflection and change.Mumbai-based organisation Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) will hold the festival in collaboration with Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU)’s department of media and communication studies and department of women and gender studies. UNESCO is the festival’s solidarity partner.MAVA has spent over 30 years engaging men and boys to address gender-based violence. Its executive director, Harish Sadani, said, “The event brings together 18 national and international short films, documentaries and feature films that explore a wide spectrum of gender experiences. The selection addresses issues such as violence against women, transphobia, toxic masculinity and dismantling of rigid gender roles.”Notable films include ‘Call Me Dancer,’ ‘Bas Ab Bahut Ho Gaya,’ ‘Project Priyo,’ ‘Gaali Kothon,’ ‘Kuzhantha,’ ‘Night Queen’ and ‘Plural Plus’ films from Spain and Jordan. A special screening of ‘All We Imagine as Light’, winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, will also be part of the edition.A defining aspect of SamaBhav is its emphasis on open conversation. Post-screening discussions will feature women’s rights activists, gender rights campaigners, filmmakers, writers and academics — creating a space for students and young audiences to engage directly with complex questions around identity, power and inclusion, said Sadani. “The festival is designed as a non-threatening platform. It aims to encourage dialogue, acknowledge differences and celebrate diversity across genders — while advocating for an equitable and pluralistic society,” he added.The festival will be held on Feb 7 and 8 at Sant Namdev Sabhagruha, Lalit Kala Kendra, SPPU.
