Film urges need to fight atrocities against women

abu dhabi — As atrocities against girl child and women are on the rise, a photographer from Kerala has come up with a unique short film to unite everyone in the fight against violence and degradation of womenfolk. Anoop Upaasana has filmed a newborn girl getting first lessons from her mother in his work titled A Mom’s Agony.

“The newborn was just an hourold when I shot her first expressions. It’s my relative’s baby from Wayanad district of Kerala,” the fashion photographer told Khaleej Times as his work got launched through YouTube on International Women’s Day.

So, how did this idea evolve? “Now a girl or a woman isn’t safe anywhere. Most child abuse happens at home and our streets aren’t safe too. That’s why I thought about doing such a short film. The mother tells her newborn about the devilish society she has stepped into.

“Even at childbirth, the most blissful of times, a modern day mother is worried about her child’s future. The narrative conveys the dilemma and true emotions,” the director said.

When Anoop came up with the idea, it was his Abu Dhabibased friend Prakash Thampy was gave full backing as a producer for the film.

“I couldn’t figure a place where a girl child is safe. A girl alone shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity. The situation now is unbearable and unimaginable. The mindset has to change and I hope this film helps,” Prakash, a father of two girls, said.

Anoop’s work includes three Malayalam movies, actor Kavya Madhavan’s boutique Lakshya’s shoot, portfolios and promotional stills.

Children and girls are close to his heart. His seven-year-old daughter Kanmani Upaasana has won the ‘Tod Little Miss Universe’ title at the Little Miss Universe 2016 pageant held in Georgia and has also acted in six movies so far.

“I have a daughter and know the pain of a parent when I read media reports on violence,” Anoop added.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com