13/52 Radical Film and Music as Tools for Activism - An Interview with award winning filmmaker Shailaja Padindala from India Jyoshna - From Nothingness To Empowerment

In this podcast Shailaja speaks about her background in India, her creative exploration into sexuality, queerness and social activism. She also speaks about her experience 'coming out' to her parents, and her use of film and music as a tool for activism. Having been to L.V Prasad Film and TV Academy in Chennai she has wrote, directed and acted in her own  short film called 'Memories of a Machine' (2016) which went viral as well as her feature film called 'Naanu Ladies'  (2021) to be released this year. Her film song 'Vote Haaki' is an ironic look at Indian politics, a black comedy of sorts.  Shailaja speaks about the musical influences in her life such as A.R Rehaman and Illayaraja and ends with a beautiful song 'Aaj Jane Ki Zid' by Faridha Khanum.  Link to Memories ofa Machine: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NyudLUzDSl0&feature=youtu.be, Link to Naan Ladies Trailer: https://youtu.be/JYiL6DGGJ5Q. Link to `Vote Haaki: https://youtu.be/lHWnFfcnBQc