Writing With Fire

Writing With Fire is a powerful and compelling exploration of the incredible Khabar Lahariya, India's only newspaper run by Dalit women. Directed by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, the film dives into the crucial role the newspaper and these women play in breaking down traditional societal barriers and amplifying the voice of a marginalized community, in a region notorious for its deeply entrenched caste discrimination and patriarchal systems.

The film, set in 2016, traces the journey of these reporters as they make the transition from print to digital media. The protagonists include the fearless chief reporter Meera Devi, senior reporter Suneeta Prajapati, and Shyamkali Devi among others, all from some of the most oppressed social groups in India. Despite facing personal challenges, social stigma, and threats of violence, they continue to do their uncompromising reporting.

Writing With Fire introduces us to these brave women who, armed with smartphones and an unwavering determination to reveal the truth, cover topics ranging from political corruption to infrastructure issues, gender inequality, and caste-based violence. As a Dalit woman in India, each headline story becomes not just professional investigative reporting, but also a deeply personal journey to challenge and change the status quo.

The film paints a vivid picture of female tenacity, resistance through journalism, and the pursuit of truth, even when faced with daunting opposition. It is a powerful testament to the strength of these women who, though largely illiterate when they started their journalistic journeys, become pioneers in introducing digital journalism in Northern India.

Directors Thomas and Ghosh portray a world where the women continue to cover hard-hitting stories on the ground level using digital technology in remote areas, often struggling with unstable internet connections and threats from the people in power. They successfully capture how these women are not just journalists but warriors on the digital battlefield, paving the way for a more egalitarian media landscape.

Much of the brilliance of the film lies in its storytelling style, which elegantly marries the individual narratives of the women reporters with the overarching implications of their work. The filmmakers allow the character’s experiences to communicate the realities and the complexities of the battle they are fighting. The documentary is filled with profound moments of humanity, humor, and warmth, creating a multidimensional perspective that goes beyond their professional lives.

Furthermore, Writing With Fire shines a light on not just the relentless courage of these reporters, but also their vulnerability, hierarchies within the newsroom, and everyday struggles, providing a deeper understanding of the Dalit community and their fight for equality and dignity.

The cinematography deserves a special mention, as it beautifully juxtaposes vivid shots of rural India against the images of these dynamic women, amplifying their heroism and resilience. Rich in aesthetic and narrative, the visual narrative underlines the dichotomy of the women's daily life - their home life, their daring journalism, and their constant struggle against societal boundaries.

These intrepid journalists of Khabar Lahariya show how journalism can be a potent tool of resistance and sovereignty in a world that often seeks to silence marginalized voices. Though set in rural India, Writing With Fire resonates globally, reminding us of the power of truth, and the potential of journalism to incite change. Captivating and profoundly influential, Writing With Fire brings forward an empowering narrative of female journalists who defy all odds to spark revolutions, one story at a time.

Writing With Fire has earned widespread critical acclaim since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021. It has been praised for its unflinching portrayal of female courage, determination, and the power of journalism to incite social change. This documentary is not just an extraordinary account of investigative journalism in the most challenging conditions; it's a testament to the power and resilience of women rising above their circumstances and leading the way ahead.