Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) in collaboration with Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) organized a 2-days film-festival called SamaBhav at Sangeet Natak Akademi. The theme of the ongoing festival is gender, masculinity, sexuality and diversity. 

Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF says, “Most efforts to address gender inequality focus solely on empowering girls and women. While a necessary part of the equation, it is also imperative that boys learn to fight, resist, and end sexist oppression. I urge all men and boys to become activists and advocates of gender justice.” She adds “SHEF’s India’s Daughters’ Campaign (IDC) aims to mobilize and educate men and boys to become activists and champions of gender justice.”

Harish Sadani, Executive Director and Co-Founder of MAVA says, “Samabhav engages youths through stirring conversations on gender issues and Intersectionality. We create a safe space for youth to relate to all genders, and advocate for a healthy, pluralistic, gender-just society.” 

The Festival aims to provide a safe, non-threatening platform to open up, ventilate differences and celebrate diversity in Gender and featured 19 national a

nd international short films, documentaries and feature films on gender such as Award-Winning and notable Films The Great Indian Kitchen, Natkhat, Hridoy Bosot, Abu, Untying The Knot, Maida, Black Roses and Red Dresses, Bhaap, Sunday, Darling, Tuloni Bia. Active discussions were a key part of the festival.

Gender rights activists Asiya Shervani, Nasiruddin Khan, Manish Kumar, Altamash Khan and Amruta Soni were among the key discussants at the fest interacting with the gathered participants.