It's a Girl

It's a Girl is a hard-hitting documentary released in 2012. Directed by Evan Grae Davis, the film presents a thought-provoking and deeply emotional look into the societal norms and pervasive cultural attitudes prevalent in certain parts of the world like India and China that devalue the lives of girls and women and, in extreme instances, even pose severe threats to their survival. The movie's title, It's a Girl, is an ironic play on what should be a moment of joy and celebration but instead, in the cultures and situations the film delves into, the phrase is fraught with negative implications and often leads to grim consequences.

At the very heart of It's a Girl is the shocking reality of gendercide – the systemic and widespread killing of girls and women because of their gender. In this revealing documentary, Evan Grae Davis takes audiences on a journey across different communities in India and China, bringing to light the chilling aftermath of deeply ingrained prejudice against females. The movie capitalizes on a global platform to raise awareness about the staggering rates of female infanticide and the phenomenon of “gendercide” that results from a complex interplay of cultural, social, and economic factors.

With its heartrending personal stories, shocking statistics, and images of ordinary people sharing their experiences, the documentary paints a horrifying, yet realistic picture of the plight of girls in these societies. It's a Girl lays bare the stark realities of forced abortions, infanticide, and egregious gender discrimination where a girl child is seen as a burden or liability rather than a joy or blessing. In revealing these hard truths, the film forces viewers to step outside of their comfort zones and confront these harsh realities that continue to persist in the 21st century.

The film stands out for its direct approach, not shying away from showing the personal testimonials from the victims, families, and even those who have participated in these acts, and effectively delivers its thought-provoking message. Davis skillfully uses storytelling as a powerful medium to address this social evil. He successfully intertwines intimate interviews with experts and activists combating these issues, giving a multifaceted perspective on the matter.

One of the standout aspects of It's a Girl is how it delves into the root causes of this issue, including the societal obsession with male heirs, financial implications like dowry system in India, or the “one-child policy” in China, among others. The film also makes it clear that the issue of gendercide is not a standalone problem; instead, it's deeply entrenched in patriarchal systems, long-held societal norms, and even government policies that allow, or at times even subtly encourage, such discriminatory practices.

It's a Girl serves as a call-to-action, urging audiences and international communities to take notice, raise their voices against these outdated and inhuman practices, and strive for a world where every child is welcomed and valued regardless of their gender. It highlights the heroic efforts undertaken by activists, NGOs, and ordinary people from these societies who are fighting indomitable battles against these horrific practices and offers a glimpse of hope amidst the disturbing narrative.

Despite its grim context and disturbing revelations, It's a Girl also shines a light on a powerful force for change—individuals who, despite their own hardships, have chosen to challenge the status quo, risk their personal safety, and fight for a society where girl children are protected and cherished. The documentary is a moving portrayal of not just the violation of human rights and dignity, but also the pure resilience, courage, and the undying spirit of numerous unheralded heroes that are trying to initiate systemic changes.

Overall, It's a Girl is an eye-opening documentary that uses its powerful narrative to challenge the viewer's perspective of gender norms and discrimination. By exploring the darker side of some cultures, the film endeavours to shed light on an international human rights issue that's often overlooked. It's a Girl is a pertinent cinematic piece that prompts crucial dialogues on gender justice and human rights worldwide, making it a must-watch for all.