IFFI 2009 at Goa: Women directors thrive amidst struggles

In 1926, Fatima Begum, wife of the Nawab of Sachin, begain the innings of Indian women film directors with her first film Bulbul-e-Paristan. She made history as India's first ever female director. And by 2009, the revolution has definitely caught on.

Statistically speaking, IFFI itself had 200 film entries by women directors, which in itself is a record. Of the 300 major film directors in the world, 25 are Indians, something to be proud of.

A press conference at the ongoing IFFI saw iconic filmmaker Madhura Jasraj sharing her thoughts. She credits hours after school and long Saturdays spent with her father (the distinguished filmmaker V. Shantaram at his studio in Mumbai) as her initial training in the world of cinema.�"My father was a hardworking earnest filmmaker well versed in all departments of movie making. He would start by putting on make up and painting the walls of the set to acting and editing the movie. Just being in his presence, I learned a lot."

Speaking on the differences between women and men directors, Madhura said essentially, there is no difference. "You have to put in the same amount of effort and if you have a family, it puts extra pressure on women directors. But nothing should be a deterrent. It is hard for a female director to get an opening, but once that opportunity comes, the next step has to be fast forward."

Reported by Mr. K.V. Vasudevan from Goa