Synopsis

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Laila and Roshni are looking for a house after they are evicted from the place they rented. It soon becomes evident that their search for a home is also their ongoing search for a place in this society that wants to keep them away in a section that can not be the centre. They have a friend in Sharukh but many of their other interactions don’t turn out as expected. Laila is torn between being true to herself and preserving links with the family she was born into. Meanwhile, Roshni treads a fine line between concealing her identity and living the life she wants but it is not without its dangers. As the search for a home continues, we realise it transcends physical spaces and biological bonds. New friendships blossom and help comes from unexpected quarters.

 

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Director's note

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The film, A Space of Our Own (Ek Jagah Apni) is set in the city of Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh, India) in the present day. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the transgender community in the city. Following the two protagonists’ lives, as they search for a house to rent, the film also shows the challenges they face in their daily lives, whether it is their workspace or other interactions. The prejudices of the wider society when it comes to transgender people and the stereotypes that need to be overcome, the lack of understanding about their situation and the discrimination, exploitation and oppression they face throughout their lives are reflected. At the same time, their courage, resilience and humanity shines through the difficulties they face.

The film introduces many first time  actors who play characters close to their lives, which also shapes the story and brings in an authenticity that blends fiction and reality.
 

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About the filmmakers

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Ektara Collective is a film making collective that comprises of people from diverse backgrounds and identities who come together and collaborate to make independent cinema that is located in our realities and experiences. We are based in Bhopal, India. Our earlier films have been Chanda Ke Joote (2011), Jaadui Machchhi (2013), Turup (2017), and Hotel Raahgir (2020).

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Credits

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Cast | Manisha Soni (Avni), Muskan, Aakash Jamra, Mahima Singh, Tanveer Ahmed, Paritosh, Abdul Haq, Suman, Sudipta Shrivastava, Subham Soldier, Shivani Baj

Direction | Ektara Collective
Script | Rinchin, Maheen Mirza with Muskaan and Avni

Cinematography | Maheen Mirza

Assistance | Narendra Pardhi, Pooja Sahu

Lights | Akash Yadav, Pallav Thudgar, Raj Rakesh

Assistance | Savni, Jheenu Pawar, Kuldish

Editor | Paramita Ghosh
Sound design | Bignya Dahal

Sound production | Ajyan Adat, Priyanka Gaikwad

Location Sound | Sushil, Priyanka, Pushpa, Priyanshu

Art | Kanak Sashi, Madhu Dhurve

Production | Hassath, Sushil , Geeta Dhurve

Songs | Sheetal Sathe, Devnarayan Saroliya, Anubhuti Sharma, Madhu Dhurve, Priyanka Gaikwad, Sashikala Nananware, Madhu Dhurve

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Selections

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International Premiere: 35th Tokyo International Film Festival

Work-in-Progress Lab section of National Film Development Corporation's (NFDC), Film Bazaar of 2021

Cannes Market: NFDC

Kochi-Muziris, Biennale, 2022

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Awards

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27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), 2022

• FFSI KR Mohanan Award – Certificate of Merit 

• Jury Special Mention, International Competition: Manisha Soni and Muskan