Oscar nomination of 'Writing with fire' is a win for India

It's a proud moment for India, a short documentary by Delhi-based filmmakers Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, 'Writing With Fire' has made its way into the world's Oscar nomination 2022, final-five list in the category of Best Documentary Feature category.

Writing with Fire tells the inspiring journey of 'Khabar Lahariya'- India's first Dalit women-led news channel as they brave all odds with smartphones as their weapon.

It's the first time that an Indian documentary has been nominated for an Academy Award. Therefore, it's a historic moment for every Indian right now. 'Writing with Fire' was chosen from a pool of 138 for the Oscars shortlist in December.

Both the filmmakers Rintu and Sushmit are award-winning directors and producers. It took almost five years to make 'Writing With Fire.' Writing With Fire has won two Sundance Film Festival awards. The film has been a festival favourite, earning 19 prizes, including 7 Best Documentary Awards throughout the year, and has been hailed as "deep," "insightful," and "inspiring" by IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter. The Washington Post called it "the most inspiring journalism movie – maybe ever."

Sushmit Ghosh said in an interview, "We are beyond delighted. This is a massive moment for Indian cinema and us. This is the first time an Indian documentary has been nominated for an Academy Award, so it has made history. This film is about fearless Dalit women journalists who are redefining what being powerful means, quintessentially the story of the modern Indian woman."

The Indian documentary is around the revolutionary story of Khabar Lahariya, India's only newspaper run by Dalit women. The documentary follows the journal's story, founded in 2002 by Nirantar, a Delhi-based NGO centred in Chitrakoot, Bundelkhand. Writing with Fire depicts Khabar Lahariya's recent change from print to digital.

In the run-up to the general election in 2019, Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh follow the outlet's move to digital coverage. Many of the women had never used a smartphone or a camera before. For much of the video, the reporters teach and give feedback to one another in heartwarming demonstrations of heartwarming camaraderie.

Meera and her fellow journalists are followed as they learn new technologies and advancements.  A glimpse into the documentary shows that it truly captures the story of these women, whose brand of journalism is truly like no other, and why their story is one worth listening to.

Catch the trailer here-