IFFM-2023: To Kill A Tiger- In pursuit of justice

Photo- http://www.noticepicturesinc.com/

THE REVIEW DEALS WITH A SENSITIVE SUBJECT WITH SEXUAL REFERENCES. PLEASE EXERCISE RESTRAINT. Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292 (VICTORIA, Australia)

 

So, what happens in To Kill A Tiger. Anjali (victim) goes to attend a wedding of her fathers (Ranjit) nephew in another village. After the ceremonies three youths violate her. Back home she tells her parents about the incident and they lodge a First Information Report (FIR). The accused are arrested and charged under the POSCO Act.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POSCO) was enacted to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, while safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial process.

Photo- http://www.noticepicturesinc.com/

Indian courts are notorious for their slow pace, with thousands of pending cases and the legal procedure cumbersome. Still, the family with the support of an NGO and a local embark of a 14-months legal journey which is full of strain and trauma, amid a social boycott by the village folk. There are threats of violence. They want a compromise. There is a suggestion Anjali marry one of  her rapists. The pressure is immense. The family refuses to back down.

The powerful movie reflects the rape culture and the shaming of victims and their families. It’s a taboo to have a rape victim at home in a conservative society. People rather hide such tragedies and the perpetuates remain scot free. It is here this movie’s message lies. The family stands with the victim. The victims plead not guilty. They get a 25 years jail sentence.

Director Nisha Pahuja says, ” I have been fighting for gender equality my entire life. As I delve deeper and deeper into the reasons for this disparity it’s become clear that patriarchy is a prison for both men and women. I wanted to tell the story of an extraordinary man who breaks free from this prison and chooses to stand by his daughter in a country where most rapes go unreported and a culture that sees boys and men as superior. It is my hope that this film and our campaign helps to amplify Ranjit’s voice. I believe he’s exceptional and that he can be a role model for men around the world.” (wmm.com)

I commend the Director, the documentary team and the IFFM-2023 for this movie. The fact that Anjali got justice and lives peacefully is a hope. This documentary encourages victim’s and their families to speak up and fight for justice. One cannot but think of many other suffering Anjali’s  whose violation was never reported or their cases are stuck in the courts.

The film winning many international awards is good news. I give this gripping documentary 4 and half stars out of five.

 

  • Genre: Documentary
  • Original Language: Hindi
  • Director: Nisha Pahuja
  • Producer: Nisha Pahuja, David Oppenheim, Cornelia Principe
  • Writer: Nisha Pahuja
  • Runtime: 
  • Production Co: AC Films, Notice Pictures, National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
  • Movie Website.
  • IFFM-2023 Website
By Neeraj Nanda

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