Film-maker Vikas Khanna presents the extraordinary tale of a woman who proves that it’s never too late to learn in the university of life in the short film BAREFOOT EMPRESS.
Film And TV Now spoke with the film-maker about the short.
FILM AND TV NOW: This is an uplifting tale of a woman determined to achieve value through education. When were you first aware of Amma’s story?
VIKAS KHANNA: In 2018 I saw a tweet about Karthyayani Amma going to school at 96-years of age. It resonated with me very deeply and we started our journey of capturing her life.
FTVN: The story and context is reflective of a restricted society, particularly in terms of where women are allowed to be. What is being done to change perceptions at present?
VK: I see a lot of small changes happening in different parts of India and some of them are having a collective impact that will lead to changing perceptions about women and their rights.
But sometimes in ancient cultures where mindsets are strong, it takes a lot more for change. Both my grandmas were uneducated and had no opportunities and today women in India are leading a lot of companies.
FTVN: Tell us about your production team.
VK: Oscar Award Nominee Doug Roland is the Producer of the film. He is a major voice in the space of social impact films and has an amazing sensitivity towards telling a story. Our Executive Producer Dr. Deepak Chopra is one of the global voices of India and its causes.
FTVN: How long did it take to make?
VK: Three and a half years.
FTVN: Tell us about the locality when Amma lives.
VK: It is in Southern Indian state of Kerala. The village is called Cheppad and has a population of 32,000 people.
The beautiful backwaters and coconut trees adorn the landscapes and this small knit community has truly one of the the best cuisines in India.
FTVN: Who and what are your key cinematic influences?
VK: Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, Satyajit Ray, Alfonso Cuaron, Yasujiro Ozu and so many from Iran.
FTVN: Has Amma seen the film and what do her and her family think of it?
VK: I went specially to show her the final cut. She loved it and later asked what about the rest of the film as she thought we shot for so many days over years and the film was only 14 mins.
FTVN: Are there plans to show the film to charities and governments as a point of reference?
VK: Absolutely yes, We have been on the screening schedule for months now. From Govt schools to orphanages to communities of young entrepreneurs. We feel that this universal story of resilience truly connects with all age groups.
FTVN: How did you initially react to the plight of women like Amma and how has your perspective changed since making the short?
VK: I have been receiving so many messages about women trying to go back to school or follow your heart.
FTVN: Tell us more about the non-profit organisation Leap To Shine and how can people get involved internationally to help promote and develop the charity?
VK: Our main mission of the film is to raise the voice and awarness of gender disparity in education and how we can all make a change. Leap to Shine is a foundation giving kids the tools to succeed, may it be digital education or educational supplies.
FTVN: Who would you like to work with in the future?
VK: Same team would be my dream. A new subject for social impact.
FTVN: Do you see this documentary as part of a series of work that highlights female suppression and victimisation?
VK: Absolutely yes. We are working on a major subject on women and justice documentary.
FTVN: How has the festival circuit helped your film?
VK: Festival circuit helps independent film-makers a lot from creating awareness of the film to networking.
FTVN: Finally, what are you most proud of about this short documentary?
VK: I am the proudest to raise voice for the impact of education for girls in India and at the same time commit to bring the change.
