The B- roll Project - Women Rebels
08 March 2010
Oscar Special - Women Rebels
Tonight is the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, The good people at DocMovies preapered an interview with director Kiran Deol. Her first documentary “Women Rebel” was one of eight documentaries on the shortlist for this year Oscar nomination. After learning that 40 percent of Nepal’s guerrilla fighters were women, Deol—then an English concentrator in Mather House—decided to write a novella about a young girl fighting in the civil war for her thesis requirement.
DM -What made you interested in the subject of women rebels in Nepal?
KD- When I was in college I heard the statistic that 40% of the rebel army fighting in Nepal were women in a guerilla revolution. My jaw was on the floor. It was the statistic that got me. I made the decision right then and there that it would be the topic for my senior thesis, which later lead to the documentary.
"For me, to tell a story that focused on women as agents of change, as opposed to victims was incredibly important."
DM - In your opinion why the world media doesn't cover this tragedy? And what are your hopes form the film, do you feel it can make a difference and get public attention?
KD - I suppose at the end of the day it’s a small country and a busy world. I hope that the film can be used to raise awareness about the region and about the struggle; even though at its heart, it is one woman’s story amidst a very complicated political backdrop. But it can at least serve as a starting point, and hopefully be a jumping off point for greater communication.
DM - How did you manage to make contact with the rebels?
KD - A journalist friend who had good contacts with the rebels eventually helped to put us in contact. But at the beginning it was very touch and go. I would get a phone call at 10pm the night before, saying ‘be here, at this bus stop’ for 5am the next morning. And you would go, and take a jeep and hike and all the rest of it to a location to meet the rebels, in order to introduce yourself and essentially try to get them on board with the idea to get the access to follow one character for an extended period of time. Quite the challenge!
"I think that from pre to post production, documentary filmmaking presents a myriad of challenges—from obtaining access—a big initial challenge"
DM - The film has a strong message about gender and the strength of women, what did you learn from the Nepal women rebels?
KD - There was such a resilience, a strength, and discipline. Silu, for instance, our main character was so incredibly focused and determined. Seeing where she came from and how she built herself—how she became an agent of change and not a victim of her circumstances—even within the controversial framework of this guerilla revolution was incredibly inspiring. And for me, to tell a story that focused on women as agents of change, as opposed to victims was incredibly important. Silu definitely fit the bill.
DM - Can you tell us what is the status of Women in that Region?
KD - What women wanted to achieve—it was always equality in some way, shape, or form. To some that meant greater leadership opportunities, to others it meant running water and electricity for all parts of Nepal, paved roads and equal access to education and literacy for boys and girls. At the end of the day, it was simple things, with a conviction. Even with the war over, I think that the struggle definitely continues. The political situation has undergone considerable shifts since the summer with the Maoists leaving Parliament and though there is no violence, I think the situation is quite volatile. Hopefully, they can get back to a place of stability, from which it will be possible to make meaningful and lasting peaceful changes that will bring progress for the Nepali people; and especially its women
DM - Let's talk a little bit about production, what Camera did you shot the film on?
KD - Sony z1u
DM - Editing system?
KD - Final Cut Pro
DM -What was the most difficult aspect of making this film?
KD- I think that from pre to post production, documentary filmmaking presents a myriad of challenges—from obtaining access—a big initial challenge in my film; to funding and just the challenge of telling a complete story that is emotionally resonant for viewers. My hat goes off to all those who work in this medium for that very reason!
DM - How are you planning to distribute the film?
KD - WOMAN REBEL will hopefully have a successful festival life; and obtain television and educational distribution both domestically in the US and internationally. I’d also like to find a way to get the film into indigenous communities on a grassroots level to populations of women who might benefit from seeing such a film and story.
DM - Last question, one event you remember the most?
KD - Dancing with the rebels in the off hours—always a good way to bond when words fail you.
DocMovies would like to thank you again, and wish you best of luck.
Check out previous interviews from the B-roll Project -
Barry Hampe - Author of Making Documentary Films
Scott Kirsner author of Fans, Friends & Followers
Sundance programming associates Basil Tsiokos.
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