This year, the Social Justice Film Festival in Chennai, scheduled from September 17 to 21, 2025, coincides with the birth anniversary of social reformer Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. Known for his radical ideas on rationalism and equality, Periyar continues to inspire activism in Tamil Nadu. By aligning the festival with his legacy, the organizers highlight cinema’s role in questioning hierarchies and challenging oppression.
From Chennai Screens to Digital Platforms
Curated by Amudhan R. P. and his team, the festival features around 25 documentaries and short films from India and abroad. The stellar line-up includes films addressing caste discrimination in rural Tamil Nadu, migrant labor struggles in Kerala, ecological battles in Odisha, and women’s rights movements in Gujarat.
International entries broaden the scope by bringing in stories of racial injustice, indigenous resistance, and climate activism worldwide. Each screening pushes audiences to see the connections between local struggles and global patterns of inequality, reinforcing the idea that social justice is both local and global.
A Festival Without Barriers
Organizers have made a conscious effort to keep the event accessible. Entry is free, and screenings will take place across multiple venues in Chennai, including:
- Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film & Television Institute – nurturing the next generation of storytellers
- Dr. Ambedkar Government Arts College – linking education with social transformation.
- Chennai Institute of Journalism – emphasizing media’s role in justice.
- Agaram Foundation – representing community-driven development.
- Periyar Thidal – the historic space associated with rationalist and Dravidian movements.
By deliberately connecting art with activism, education, and history, the festival becomes more than just a cinematic event; it becomes a movement for awareness and change.
The festival, however, does not stand alone. It resonates with Periyar Vision, a new OTT channel launched in 2024 to stream films rooted in social justice. While the festival brings communities together in physical spaces, Periyar Vision carries the conversation into digital spaces across the nation. This dual approach ensures that stories of resistance reach wider audiences than ever before.
Why the Festival Matters Now
In today’s India, where mainstream cinema often bows to box office demands over true substance, festivals like this act as counter-narratives. They amplify the marginalized voices and provide a stage for stories that rarely find screen space. At the same time, they encourage young filmmakers to use cinema not just as entertainment, but as a tool for awareness and social reform.
Sustainability remains the biggest challenge as the festival relies on grants, volunteer support, and the passion of independent filmmakers. Yet, the Chennai edition demonstrates how committed communities can keep the spirit of cultural resistance alive year after year. With increasing global interest in independent cinema and grassroots movements, the Social Justice Film Festival is poised to become a hub for cultural resistance and solidarity.
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