What is the Fempowered Film Festival about and who is organizing it?
Fempowered Film Festival is a platform that highlights a crowd-sourced collection of uplifting and positive sports stories, and a call to action to strengthen the sports ecosystem for women and girls in India. The purpose of this year’s film festival is to make a contribution towards changing the narrative as well as breaking the stereotypes, glass ceilings, and apathy around women in sports.
This festival is being organized by the Embassy of India Student Hub which is an initiative to engage Indian students studying in the United States in India’s development. The Student Hub is an initiative of the Embassy of India, Washington D.C.
When, where, and how can I be a part of the Fempowered Film Festival?
Fempowered Film Festival, this year, is a virtual event happening on 19th and 20th March 2021. The event will be held on www.fempoweredfilms.com and registrations are available through this link. To participate in the film festival, use the given link to register yourself and browse through the content provided on the website.
Is this a paid event?
No, this is an absolutely free event and open to all! However, to participate in the event you have to register through this link.
Is this event only for Indian students?
No, this event is organized by the Embassy of India Student Hub but it is open to students, parents, coaches, mentors, sports for development organizations, and any other individual or organization that is interested in encouraging/uplifting women in sports. This event is also open to individuals of all nationalities.
Is this event only for girls and women?
This event celebrates women in sports on the occasion of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Having said that, any and everyone is invited to join in the celebrations. This event is not exclusive to any particular gender and we welcome all.
Is there a place where I can check out the schedule of the event?
Find the program schedule for 19-20 March 2021 here. Please register on eventbrite here.
What is the role of the Embassy of India in Fempowered Film Festival?
The Embassy of India, Washington D.C. (Government of India’s Mission in the United States) has been an important pillar of support in the organizational process of Fempowered Films through their belief in the power of women and sports. Additionally, the India Student Hub, itself, is an initiative of the Embassy of India. Other Government of India programs featured in the Fempowered Films Festival 2021 are Fit India and Khelo India. As part of the movements, individuals and organizations are encouraged to undertake various efforts for their own health and well-being as well as for the health and well-being of fellow Indians.
What are some of the sports for development organizations that are involved with the Fempowered Film Festival?
Ultimate Players Association of India and Transformational Sports co-hosted Fempowered Films Determination & Grit: Indian Women in Sports Festival 2021. We are also delighted to feature some incredible sports for development organizations that have strengthened the sports ecosystem and make a HUGE impact on socio-emotional youth development at the grassroot level. Organizations that submitted athlete stories and documentaries include:
Aim for Seva, Apnalaya, Dream a Dream, Elms Sports Foundation, Goa Sixes, Jayanagar Jaguars, Mann Deshi Champions, Naandi Foundation, Naz India, North East Network, One All Trust, Pink Belt Mission, Project Khel, Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir, Slum Soccer, Y Ultimate, Yuwa-India, and others. Please see https://fempoweredfilms.com/resources/ for a deeper dive into the Power of Play.
What is the role of the Goodwill Ambassadors in Fempowered Film Festival?
The Goodwill Ambassadors for Fempowered Film Festival 2021 are Olympic swimmer Shikha Tandon, Olympic weightlifter Padma Shri Kunjarani Devi, Mallakhamb athlete & coach Dr. Neeta Tatke, and mountaineer IPS Officer Aparna Kumar. These women are amazing athletes who represent Determination & Grit: Indian Women in Sports.
Where can I find more resources about sports for development in India?
More about the Government of India programs like Khelo India and Fit India can be found here: https://fempoweredfilms.com/goi/.
More from the sports for development organizations can be found here https://fempoweredfilms.com/resources/.
Is this an annual event?
Yes, it is! Fempowered Films Festival began in 2020 with the theme ‘Women in Bombay.’ The trio of Ambassadorial First Lady Hemal Shringla, Barbara Hawthorn, Jan DuPlain helped catalyze the inaugural festival. In 2021, the theme is ‘Determination and Grit: Indian Women in Sports’ and we hope to see you in 2022 as well! The theme for 2022 may be announced on 20th March 2021. Suggestions? Please email us at team@ishubus.com.
Fempowered Films 