Dalit Film And Cultural Festival (Daliff)

Conceived by the US Ambedkarites (a nonprofit organization), and in partnership with Barnard College of Columbia University and Global Studies and Media Studies at The New School, India China Institute is pleased to co-host one day of the first ever Dalit Film Festival at The New School in New York City on February 24 (the festival will be held at Columbia's Barnard College on February 23). For full Film Festival details, including film descriptions and special guests, please visit the festival website. To register for February 24th as a New School student, faculty, or staff, please register here via Eventbrite. All others, please register here. With the emergence of caste centric films in the mainstream Indian film industry in recent years, its notable success has dawned upon the nu-genre of film making—the Dalit Cinema. Dalit Cinema is a newer technique to underscore the importance of art and creativity in upholding the human loving virtues simultaneously standing guard to fighting the ills of society. The primary aim is to advance critical dialogues about the experiences of Dalits and other oppressed groups in the film industry. Historically the experiences of Dalit in the films, erstwhile "untouchables," or the lower castes, (over 250 million people worldwide) have been camouflaged by appropriating their voices into a caste neutral character. Oft-repeated incidents of suppression of Dalit voices and Dalit assertion has maintained the cultural hegemony of dominating classes in India. Whenever Dalit characters are presented on screen, it is either to degrade the humanity of the Dalit or term it as a despicable character worthy of humiliation. Such casteist gestures have downgraded the quality of Dalit cultural life in India. In order to expose the world to the nuances of Dalit life, create solidarity, and encourage dialogue around the lack of representation and diversity in the Indian and South Asian film industry, we invite you to attend a day of festivity, celebrating Dalit genius. More Info below.