In a world where stories about the LGBTQ community are still not commonplace in the mainstream, a group of artists from the Aravani Art Project in Bengaluru have found their voices through the lens of a camera. This remarkable journey is beautifully captured in the documentary “Kathegala Kanive” (The Valley of Stories) by filmmaker Vikas Badiger. The 30-minute film has received accolades, including the Best Documentary award at the prestigious Madras Independent Film Festival, and has been selected for the esteemed Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival.
“Kathegala Kanive” delves into the lives of transgender artists, who, under the guidance of the Aravani Art Project, were given the opportunity to explore photography as a means of self-expression. Led by Shanthi, a talented wall artist and documentarian, the artists embarked on a journey to document their connection to the city they call home – Bengaluru.
Supported by the non-profit India Foundation, the photography project brought together professional photographers from Kanike Studios to teach the eight transgender artists the basics of camerawork. Generous donations of digital cameras allowed the artists to immerse themselves in the art of photography. They clicked around 70 pictures each, capturing moments that spoke volumes about their lives and experiences. These photographs were displayed in an exhibition, with some even being sold.
Shwetha, one of the artists, reflects on the significance of learning photography and says that with begging and sex work being the most predominant occupation within the community, gaining the opportunity to learn a new skill like photography was exciting for them. “My only experience in terms of photography has been in my childhood when my father used to take me to a studio to get my pictures clicked. It was a very routine thing for me then, but now holding a camera, it feels very different. I feel more confident that I am now a photographer,” she shares.
Vikas, who had quit his full-time job to focus on filmmaking was contacted by Poornima Sukumar, the founder of the Aravani Project. Recognizing the engaging narrative, he decided to document a behind-the-scenes look. Over a period of three months, Vikas shadowed the artists for approximately 10-15 days.As Vikas conversed with the artists, he realized the immense educational and storytelling potential that lay within each individual’s journey. With the camera as an extension of their creative expression, the artists opened up, sharing their experiences and perspectives.
In “Kathegala Kanive,” these artists share their stories and shed light on the everyday topics that shaped their lives. As they capture images of the essence of Cubbon Park, young children, older citizens, trees, animals, and even bangles through their cameras, they reveal stories about the prejudices they have faced. They hold nothing back, speaking candidly about their struggles with finding work, the cultural shock of moving to Bengaluru, and the discrimination they face in public spaces.
“I think the biggest [struggle] was people coming and asking me questions as to “en akka en madtidira?” meaning “What are you doing sister?,” says Shweta. Explaining that I am a photographer or that I am working on a project did not come easy. “Working on a regular job or having a normal life amongst people is a difficult task for us. To keep all those feelings aside and be part of society, learn, and teach, was a huge thing. There have been people who told that this will help the trans folks get a job, but there are also people who said, how can trans folks click pictures? But most importantly we are here to learn and when we are in a society, we can and should be able to do the jobs anyone else can,” adds Shweta.
