A short film that revolves around the life of a single mother in India who sells fish and raises her 9-year-old daughter as a skateboarder has won top honours at the Atlanta Film Festival. The film, titled Kamali, has been shot at Mahabalipuram, Chennai.
After her marriage breaks, 34-year-old Suganthi decides to empower her daughter Kamali through skateboarding. It was her brother’s friend who gifted Kamali a skateboard and helped kick-start her journey.
Sasha Rainbow, a New Zealand-born filmmaker now settled in London, had traveled to India to feature Kamali and other skateboarding girls for her song, Alpha Female, by a UK-based band Wild Beasts. However, she was moved by Suganthi’s grit and determination. She returned to tell the story of the mother-daughter duo to the world.
“Kamali’s story represents an incredible
moment in India and shows how massive change can start with just one
person. I believe Kamali's mother Suganthi and others like her are
heroes who should be celebrated for her bravery. I believe skateboarding
is a symbol of going against the grain, standing boldly in front of
society and taking ownership of one's life,” Rainbow told a portal.
Suganthi, who harbours big dreams for her
daughter said in an interview, “My parents and the local community did
not approve. They used to ask her life would be spoiled if she breaks
her limbs. I want her to reach greater heights. She should not be like
me with limited exposure.”
The film had won the Best Director Award at
the Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival 2018.
It also
qualifies for the 2020 Oscar shortlist.
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