A Room of Our Own: Remembering the Women of FTII

A poignant reminder of women’s contributions at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has emerged through a digital memory project called A Room of Our Own. Initiated by FTII alumni Reena Mohan, Bina Paul, and Surabhi Sharma, this project is not just an exploration of history but a celebration of the women who have shaped the institution over the years.

The Start of a Journey

The inspiration for this project ignited when the girls’ hostel at FTII in Pune was demolished to make way for new structures. The memories and stories of the women who once lived there began to resurface. Old photographs and anecdotes were exchanged, harking back to days filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose.

In 2021, FTII released Being FTII, a book largely focused on male graduates, which made the absence of women’s narratives even more poignant. The following year, Gauri D Chakraborty compiled Balancing The Wisdom Tree, documenting the experiences of female alumni up to 2022, ensuring that their voices were acknowledged.

The essence of A Room of Our Own revolves around the idea: “She was there too.” This project seeks to answer vital questions about the experiences of women at FTII. What was it like for them to adapt to hostel life? How did they navigate male-dominated environments during their education? By diving into personal memories, the project aims to illuminate a collective experience often overshadowed by conventional cinema history.

Unveiling Untold Stories

The mission statement of the project emphasizes the importance of documenting oral histories and visual narratives that portray the experiences of women at FTII. Currently, the project includes interviews with over 50 female alumni, along with personal photographs and creative works showcasing their journeys. Notable figures like Payal Kapadia, Jabeen Merchant, and Batul Mukhtiar are featured, with more interviews scheduled to further enrich the narrative.

The project’s title draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s famous remark that a woman needs “money and a room of her own” to create. It’s not merely a nostalgic look back, as Bina Paul points out. With around 600 women among the 6,000 graduates since FTII’s inception in 1960, it’s crucial to explore the historical context of these women’s journeys in an institution largely defined by male narratives.

A Space for Growth and Learning

Reflecting on her time at FTII, Reena Mohan shares how the hostel provided a rare space where they felt free for the first time. She recalls, “We had a room that was not monitored by anybody.” This sense of autonomy was significant in their learning and growth as filmmakers.

Batul Mukhtiar’s short film contribution highlights the question of belonging. After years of transformation and change at FTII, how do the alumni still identify with this community? Parvati Menon, the first female student at FTII in 1963, referred to herself as “the first of my species,” giving light to the groundbreaking yet challenging path she forged for women in cinema.

Gloria Koshy, the hostel’s matron for three decades, was initially taken aback by the changing dynamics but eventually became a supportive figure. Her understanding and acceptance fostered an environment where women could express themselves freely, further emphasizing the project’s core theme of ownership and autonomy.

Navigating Challenges

Despite the progress, the challenges for women at FTII were substantial. Bina Paul recalls instances of sexism, where women were often discouraged from pursuing fields like cinematography, with comments like, “You’ll get married and leave.” Such misogynist attitudes were alarmingly common, and many women felt the need to fight for their space and recognition in a predominantly male environment.

In recent years, there have been efforts to improve gender balance within the institute’s programs. Surabhi Sharma highlights her unique experience in a batch where female representation surged. “It was empowering,” she shares, noting the chaos and confidence brought about by women’s presence in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Current Reflections

The A Room of Our Own project is evolving. The pandemic presented unexpected challenges, pushing them to conduct interviews online. This change allowed them to connect with more alumni and capture their experiences during a time when many were reflecting on their pasts.

Ultimately, the project aims to weave together a tapestry of experiences that showcase the myriad realities women faced at FTII—be it liberation or lingering obstacles. It examines how their journeys transformed them not just as artists but as individuals who challenged norms.

Conclusion

The A Room of Our Own project is crucial for anyone interested in film history, particularly the often-overlooked contributions of women in cinema. It not only sheds light on the past but also inspires future generations of women filmmakers.

For anyone passionate about understanding the role of women in Indian cinema, this project serves as an invaluable resource.

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Original Text – https://scroll.in/reel/1085445/in-ftii-memory-project-a-room-of-our-own-a-reminder-that-women-were-there-too?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public