GUWAHATI: A private screening of short film ‘Natkhat‘ was organised to commemorate International Women’s Day and the foundation day of Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) at Cotton University in Guwahati. The event was jointly organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies and Centre for Women’s Studies, Cotton University with support from MAVA, one of the India’s first men’s organisation to work on preventing violence against women.
The screening of the short film ‘Natkhat’ which is in the race for Oscars 2021 in the ‘Best Short Film’ category was followed by an online interaction of students with the cast and crew of the film including actor-producer, Vidya Balan, writer Annukampa Harsh, writer-director Shaan Vyas and associate producer Sanaya Irani.
The moderators for the online interaction were Rashmi Lamba and Tanaya Bhattacharya. During interaction, national award winning actor Vidya Balan highlighted how actors as mass influencers through movies can play a significant role in facilitating positive change in society.
Executive Director of MAVA, Harish Sadani shared his inputs of how men who are often considered perpretators of violence against women could be mobilized, sensitised and made aware of their role as equal contributors in making the world a better place for women.
The offline interaction at Cotton University which was attended by faculty members, students, staff members and administration was moderated by social entrepreneur and founder of Eco Hub and Bodhana, Nelson Deb.
