Reporting from a social environment built to divide based on caste and gender, a fearless group of journalists maintain India’s only women-led news outlet. The women of Khabar Lahariya (‘Waves of News’), all from the Dalit (“untouchables”) caste, prepare to transition the newspaper from print to digital even though many of their reporters don’t have access to electricity at home. Armed with smartphones, Chief Reporter Meera and her team of investigative journalists confront some of India’s biggest issues – exposing the relentless discrimination against women and amplifying the voices of those who suffer from the oppressive caste system. WRITING WITH FIRE chronicles the astonishing determination of these local reporters as they empower each other and hold those responsible for injustice to account. Reaching new audiences through their growing platform, the women of Khabar Lahariya redefine what it means to be powerful in this timely and inspiring documentary.
2022 Acadamy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature
NYTimes Critic's Pick
"Rousing...nothing short of galvanizing."
Devika Girish
New York Times
“Invigorating and inspiring”
Robert Abele
Los Angeles Times
IDA Documentary Awards Best Features Nominee
World Cinema - 2021 Audience Award
2021 Sundance Film Festival
Sundance Special Jury Award: Impact for Change ‘21
2021 Sundance Film Festival
BlackStar Film Festival: Best Feature documentary
BlackStar Film Festival: Audience Awards
San Francisco Film Festival: Best Feature Documentary
Wisconsin Film Festival: Audience Award
Seattle International Film Festival: Special Jury Prize
Washington DC Filmfest: Justice Matters Award
“The most inspiring journalism movie — maybe ever.”
Jason Rezaian
The Washington Post
“Writing With Fire smashes Indian patriarchy.”
Naman Ramachandran
Variety
“A fearless fight for real news…"
Kate Erbland
IndieWire
“A stirring and inspiring documentary about some very courageous women.”
Alissa Wilkinson
Vox
* Writing With Fire is currently only available on DVD.