Private Project

Penntholpaavakoothu - Challenging Patriarchal Shadows

Kerala's first female Tholpaavakoothu artist Rajitha Ramachandra Pulavar is transforming temple shadow puppetry. She has trained eight women to perform this art form that was earlier barred for women. Women are still prohibited from performing Tholpaavakoothu on temple premises. Rajitha is challenging this prejudice by forming the first female shadow puppetry group that performs the art form on popular public stages. This project documents their journey, hopes and dreams.

  • Susan Joe Philip
    Director
  • Athira Madhav
    Director
  • Onmanorama
    Producer
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 31 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    300 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    English, Malayalam
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • New Wave International Documentary Short Film Festival
    Kozhikode
    India
    April 14, 2023
    Official Selection
  • 7th Art Independent International Film Festival
    Thiruvananthapuram
    India
    September 21, 2023
    Best Short Documentary
Director Biography - Susan Joe Philip, Athira Madhav

Susan Joe Philip and Athira Madhav are working as journalists at Onmanorama. Susan previously worked as a reporter for The Hindu newspaper. Athira Madhav previously worked as a multimedia producer for Asiaville media website. They are both passionate about gender issues, art and culture.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

It was our first attempt at documentary filmmaking. As female creators working behind the camera, we desire to capture such powerful stories from rural India that need to be shared.