Runner up - To Kill a Tiger
Oscar Tidbit: Nominated for Best Documentary Feature in 2024, this film deserved the win over 20 Days in Mariupol, which seemed to win more for its topical relevance. Other nominees included Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Four Daughters, and Eternal Memory.
This movie overwhelmed my senses—my blood ran cold, my palms sweated, and I was left breathless with tears in my eyes. It might be too intense for some, but it's worth watching until the end, as it ultimately leaves us with a sense of hope.
The documentary begins by recounting the tragic gang rape on a 13-year-old girl in a small village in northeastern India. Her father, Ranjit, reports the crime and is determined to prosecute the perpetrators. However, the village quickly turns against the family, insisting that this is a 'villager matter' that should be resolved internally. Their so-called solution is to force the young girl to marry one of her rapists, in a misguided attempt to restore the family's honor and bring 'harmony' back to the community. The girl is blamed for the assault, and her father is criticized for failing to protect her. As tensions rise, the family faces escalating threats, including the danger of violence and arson against their home.
The trial drags on for 14 months, during which the family remains ostracized and threatened by their village. Financial strain further exacerbates their suffering, and the father, overwhelmed by the ordeal, often resorts to drinking and disappearing. Despite these hardships, the true hero of the story is the young survivor, Kiran. At such a tender age, her wisdom and maturity shine through the trial, with her strength and testimony becoming the driving forces of the narrative.
This documentary avoids flashy elements, but its message is both powerful and clear: crises like these continue to persist and must be acknowledged. The film reveals that women are raped on average every 20 minutes, with approximately 90% of these crimes going unreported. At the height of the #MeToo movement, it is crucial to remember stories like these, where both men and women are fighting against adversity. It underscores that change often starts with just one person's courage.
