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Film on 7-yr-old skateboarder from Tamil Nadu hits the Oscars list
Seven-year-old girl Kamali showcases a unique glimpse into the transformation of women redefining their roles in society.
Watching a seven-year-old drop into the ramp from the granite coping and then swiftly rolling down the slopes is a sight to behold. In a seaside village near Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, the seven-year-old girl Kamali showcases a unique glimpse into the transformation of women redefining their roles in the society. Around this time last year, Kamali shot to fame for being the only girl skateboarder and surfer in Tamil Nadu. This perhaps sets her apart from other kids of her age, as we watch little Kamali transfigure into a symbol of hope for women in India.
Brought up by a traditional fishing family in Mahabalipuram, Kamali’s story of shattering stereotypes and becoming a mainstream skateboarder is what attracted New Zealand-born filmmaker Sasha Rainbow who first travelled to India to shoot a music video ‘Alpha Female’ by a UK-based band Wild Beasts. The video went viral being shared by Tony Hawk and then receiving more than 600,000 views in a week on BBC World Service. After meeting Kamali, Sasha was captivated at Kamali’s mother Suganthi’s resilience to keep her daughter’s hopes alive.
The short film named ‘Kamali’ has been shot extensively in the coastal areas of Mahabalipuram. It follows the story of Kamali, a charismatic seven-year-old child making giant strides in her village, and the skating community. Sasha said in a statement:
I wanted to create a film that celebrates everyone who takes the risk to be themselves. I believe skateboarding is a symbol of going against the grain, standing boldly in front of society and taking ownership of one’s life. I feel that Kamali’s mother Suganthi, and others like her, hidden by the walls of their homes, are heroes who should be celebrated for their quiet bravery.
The film had its US premiere at the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival, where it won the ‘Best Short Documentary’. In what has turned out to become an unbelievable milestone for Sasha and her team, the film ‘Kamali’ has qualified for Oscars next year. The film will be screened at The Cave Skatepark in Bengaluru on October 19 at 7 PM.
