"Listen to Her focuses on two forms of abuse that women are grappling with during the lockdown –  overburden of work and a surge in domestic violence," says Nandita Das who wrote, directed, produced, and acted in this seven-minute short. 

The story highlights restrictive gender norms and inequality through the realities of two women – one adapting to working from home, while juggling housework and taking care of her child, and the other dealing with physical and verbal violence at the hands of an abuser.

"The film spontaneously responds to the irony of STAY HOME, STAY SAFE". Amid reports of a surge in cases of abuse during the nationwide lockdown, Das adds, "The film is adding its voice to a conversation that is much needed in the public space. It's touched a chord, sparking conversations, encouraging women to speak up, and reminding us that we must listen". 

Listen to Her is supported by UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women and the South Asia Foundation (Madanjeet Singh Foundation).

National Helplines
Emergency helpline: 112
Domestic abuse helpline: 181
Women's helpline: 1091
 

Nandita Das 

Nandita has acted in more than 40 feature films in 10 different languages. Her directorial debut Firaaq, which won many accolades and appreciation, both in India and abroad. She was on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival twice (2005 and 2013), among others. She has a Master's degree in Social Work and is a strong advocate for social justice and human rights. Nandita has passionately supported the campaign against colour bias, called 'Dark Is Beautiful', which she relaunched as 'India's Got Colour' in 2019. She was conferred the 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' by the French Government and was the first Indian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the International Women's Forum. Manto, Nandita's second directorial film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and travelled to many other festivals around the world.

Follow her on Twitter @NanditaDas and on Instagram @NanditaDasOfficial

About Summer Fridays

Summer Fridays is a brand new blog series by Asia Society India Centre, profiling established cultural influencers and rising stars in various fields. Each week we feature conversations, interviews, recipes, playlists, and more—on art, food, music, literature, and film.