The Netflix series Adolescence sparked a debate on toxic masculinity, demonstrating the power of online platforms, TV and film in shaping society. A film festival is similarly triggering debate across India — six editions of the Travelling International Film Festival, called SamaBhav, which is organised by Men Against Abuse and Violence (MAVA), have been held in 52 cities and 22 rural districts, reaching 18,000 youth through educational institutions and civil society organisations.

The festival comprises selected national and international films that cover a wide gamut of gender and human rights issues, including various forms of gender-based discrimination/violence, patriarchy, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and redefining masculinity.

The post-screening discussions enable young audiences to debate and reflect on their biases, societal prejudices and regressive attitudes around gender, advocating for a pluralistic, inclusive society. The festival has also gone to Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia and Bhutan.

‘‘Seven years ago, as an experiment I planned and organised a two-day film festival at SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai. Hundreds of students affiliated to SNDT actively participated and the venue was full. That motivated me to organise this as an annual travelling film festival and activists such as........

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