Muawzaa

SYNOPSIS

On 17th April 2009, more than 1500 farmers committed suicide after being pushed into debt through crop failure. More than 20,000 farmers have committed suicide in India since 1997 as per the statistics shared by BBC news. The reason for this has been cited as “crop failure due to falling water irrigation level” and the solution we have is COMPENSATION.

It is unfortunate that in the country, whose 24% of GDP comes from agriculture sector and 60% of employment comes from agriculture sector, the seriousness of the issue has not been dealt with by the government. The lack or meagre financial aid from the government forces the farmers to take the drastic step. They find it easy to commit suicide than choose life. Offering compensation once the farmer has passed away seems to be an easier way rather than identifying the real issue and offering a permanent solution.

Our film “Muawzaa” raises the pertinent question – Is COMPENSATION really a solution to the problem or is it a problem as it offers a lucrative option?

Amit Gupta, writer and director, has been directing tele-serials since 2006. He has directed many high TRP shows for almost all the prominent GEC in India and abroad. He started his career from theatre in 1994, using this medium as not only for entertainment but as a platform to raise social issues and to develop the personality of children. To achieve this aim, he has written and directed many plays and conducted several work-shops especially with under privileged children all over the country. He has got international exposure as the writer and director for the short film, “Muawzaa” based on the life of the Indian farmers committing suicide. This film was selected as the official entry for renowned festivals like New York Film Festival. Amit is a strong believer in the thought that entertainment when accompanied with relevant message becomes more meaningful. He has penned Hindi feature film scripts bearing in mind the social responsibility angle too.