EP 90: The Unstoppable Storyteller: Award-Winning Filmmaker Vibha Bakshi's Mission to Sensitize, Not Sensationalize

(Hon) Dr. Vibha Bakshi is a critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning film director and producer and the recipient of four National Film Awards, the highest recognition in Indian cinema. She has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Boston University for her work as a filmmaker and journalist.

Vibha's latest film, "Son Rise," is a multi-award-winning documentary that challenges gender injustice globally, winning the National Film Award for Best Film (non-feature). It has been selected by the UN Academic Impact to promote human rights in 1,400 institutions across 147 countries and is showcased as part of the #HeForShe movement. Her previous film, "Daughters of Mother India," addressed rape and gender violence, becoming the most-awarded social campaign in the world in 2017.

Key themes emerging out of our conversation:

• Without Hope, no Fight can be won.
• Access is Key to Documentary Filmmaking.
• Using Difference to their Advantage.
• Becoming one with the Subjects to earn Trust.
• The Power of Storytelling Can Influence Mindsets.
• It is easy to Sensationalize, but very hard to Sensitize.
• Humor, even in the toughest situations, keeps you going.
• Once things get Uncomfortable, people tend to Step Back.
• Accolades Open Doors and Amplify Voices of Change-Makers.
• You cannot find your Role Models solely in a Bollywood Hero.
• With Privilege comes Responsibility; how do you use your Voice?
• When the Intent is Right, the Universe Conspires to Make Things Happen.
• Unless Police are Gender-Sensitized, Justice will continue to be Delayed.
• For those more Blessed, the question becomes - How do you Pay It Forward?
• Leaving your own Biases, Prejudices, and Judgments adds Perspective to Storytelling.
• Boys and Men part of Movement for Change when addressing Burning Issues like Rape.

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