Kathegala Kanive - The Valley of Stories

Pivoting itself on an artistic endeavor, the Aravani Art Project, that works with the transgender community in Bangalore, the documentary urges the audience to participate in a crucial conversation. The voices that are presented are undaunted, even in the face of all the struggles and obstacles that they have already overcome, and battle still on a daily basis.

The narrative does a notable job of not venturing into the territory of maudlin sentimentalism. Instead, it presents stories of triumph and strength, all of it achieved in a nuanced, sensitive manner. It invokes childhood toys, tokens of beauty, the hair or smile of a subject on camera, to discuss all of this and some more.

There is also the exploration of the relationship that is shared between Bangalore and the remarkable subjects of the story. Though the end result could have been defined by a tighter narrative, it presents a conversation that is compelling and crucial.