Look out for the invisible children

On aangan's tenth anniversary, watch a screening of three short films and take part in a discussion on the city's disadvantaged children
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What happens when a child from a disadvantaged background is given a video camera and allowed to shoot a four-minute film on a topic close to his heart? The result is Jaan, Shaan and Imaan (Love, Pride and Honour), three four-minute long films made by groups of disadvantaged teenagers. The titles are also metaphorical of the three things they crave for.


Images from the making of the short films. Pic Courtesy/
Pavitra Saith

"These children belong to a vulnerable strata of society and lead a tough life. They are constantly tempted to engage in criminal activities. Rather than point a finger at them, we want them to understand by themselves that they have options and can improve their lives," said Shailja Mehta, trustee of Aangan.u00a0

Over a three-month period, groups of 15 boys each (ages 12 to 18) were told to work on scripting, producing and filming a story relevant to their lives. The result are movies that poignantly highlight issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, how the youth are led into becoming petty criminals and the daily conflicts in their lives.



The screening will be followed by a reading of select pieces written by writer-director Anurag Kashyap and writer Vijay Krishna Acharya. Every short film will be given an introductory and concluding commentary by directors Kiran Rao and Vikramaditya Motwane.

Aangan was formed a decade ago when ad professional Suparna Gupta and PR professional Shailja Mehta started working with juvenile children's homes across the country and found the children to be part of an unheard of, "invisible population".

Over the years they have identified certain high risk areas in Mumbai itself such as Govandi, Antop Hill, Dongri and Bhiwandi where the youth are likely to indulge in crime without proactive guidance. Through such youth centric projects they are trying to break the vicious cycle and help the children lead a responsible, crime-free existence.

On Today, 7.30 pm onwards
At Mehboob Studios, Bandra (W).
Call 9821236387 / 9819455493