Daughters of Mother India


Daughters of Mother India is a 2014 Indian documentary film by Vibha Bakshi on the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. The film received the National Film Award for Best Film on Social Issues at the 62nd National Film Awards.

Synopsis

DAUGHTERS OF MOTHER INDIA reveals the aftermath of the horrific rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student Nirbhaya in Delhi in December 2012. For the first time in the history of the Delhi Police, cameras were allowed inside the Delhi Police control and command room right after Nirbhaya's death. For weeks, nationwide protests filled the streets of India. The country witnessed gender consciousness and extraordinary solidarity by ordinary citizens - like never before.
In this film, Vibha questions how Indian society is changing after the 2012 events. Although anti-rape laws were passed and radical changes were made within the police force and the judiciary, gender violence still persists. Did anything change?
In this film, people featured include Mr. Neeraj Kumar - Delhi Commissioner of Police, Ms. Indira Jaising - Additional Solicitor General Supreme Court, Mr. Deepak Mishra - Delhi Commissioner of Police Law and Order, Ms. Suman Nalwa - Head of Delhi Police Unit for Women and Children, Late Justice Leila Seth - Member of the Anti Rape Recommendation Committee, Dr. Kiran Bedi - Activist, Dr. Dipankar Gupta – Sociologist, Dr Abha Sahgal - Principal of Sanskriti School, Dr Syed Mubin Zehra - Social Analyst and Mr Arvind Gaur - Activist and Founder of Asmita Theatre Group.
“The film - Daughters of Mother India determinedly and explicitly spotlighted the burning issue of rape and gender violence in the country” - National Film Jury
“More than a documentary Daughters of Mother India has become a movement to encourage change…” – Josette Sheeram, Global Present and CEO of Asia Society
“India’s story of resolve activism and hope, jarring wake-up call for men like me” – Jim Luce, The Huffington Post
“The film explores reforms in the police and judicial system…” - Hollywood Reporter
“This film is a historic step for women in India” - Educational Media reviews
“Amidst hysteria, Daughters of Mother India gives hope.” - Hindu
“Daughters of Mother India momentum continues…” - The Quint
Vibha was nominated at the Cannes Glass Lions award for media advocacy that changed the world. The film has become a tool for social change. It has had an unprecedented impact transforming attitudes on women's rights in India. The policy makers of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated Vibha for creating the women safety campaign with the police for Mumbai.

External Reviews

"Documentary Teaches Indian Police The Reality Of Reporting Rape" By Molly Bangs, HuffPost US
"A fight against child abuse" by Marri Ramu, The Hindu
"An attempt to change" - The Statesman
"Vibha Bakshi: 'Daughters of Mother India' is about hope" The Times of India
"Two Films Were Made About the Rape and Murder of Delhi Woman Jyoti Singh — One Was Banned" - MIC
"Viacom18 To Air 'Daughters Of Mother India' Documentary On Aftermath Of Nirbhaya Incident" - News World India
"The Conspiracy Of Silence Has Been Broken: Vibha Bakshi" - Mid-Day
"Daughters of Mother India: Vibha Bakshi's documentary is an exploration of why our society keeps failing women" - First Post
"Documentary Daughters of Mother India tackles horror with hope" - Calgary Herald
"Daughters of Mother India Wins First Prize at CAM International Film Festival" - India West
“Don't change the world, be the change” – Khaleej Times
"Daughters of Mother India in syllabus of 200 Maharashtra schools" - Business Standard
"Cinema as an educative medium" - The Navhind Times
"Cinemawala, Nirbhaya docu opens Indian Panorama film fest" - Indian Express
"Daughters of Mother India is about hope: Vibha Bakshi - The Free Press Journal
"We saw women cops get emotional" - Mumbai Mirror
"Daughters of Mother India Reflects on Changing Minds, Laws on Violence Against Women" - India
"Daughters of Mother India's Vibha Bakshi Asserts Rape Is Not India-specific Problem" - India West