IFFI 2023: Time for women in movies is coming, says Latvian filmmaker

Una Celma, director of the Latvian film ‘Fragile Blood’, said on Friday that times are changing and there’s a notable increase in the number of women joining the filmmaking industry as compared to earlier days.

‘Fragile Blood’ featured in the ‘Cinema of the World’ category at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) being held here.

Una Celma was interacting with delegates after the international premiere of her film.

While highlighting the influx of women into filmmaking in her country, she said, “Times are changing, and there’s a notable increase in the number of women joining the filmmaking industry compared to earlier days.”

Talking about the genesis of the film, she said “I continued to hear from numerous women about domestic violence, both at the workplace and in clubs. And that made me think of coming up with a film.”

Celma emphasised that the film goes beyond portraying physical violence and sheds light on the psychological and sexual violence faced by women.

While interacting with the media, she said, “Despite the presence of law and law enforcement agencies, domestic violence persists.”

In a society where reality blurs with myth, protagonist Diana struggles to conform to societal norms in ‘Fragile Blood’.

Trapped in a codependent marriage with Igor, she risks traumatising her daughter, Astra. A pivotal choice looms — daughter or husband. As illusions merge with reality, Diana must decide if it’s not too late.