Parity Party

Are women gaining traction in the film industry? Director Geeta Gandbhir says not so fast.

Geeta Gandbhir, an award-winning director with nearly two decades of experience making documentary and narrative film whose doc Colonel Kalsi: Beyond the Call is debuting at NYIFF, says women have a long way to go in the movie industry to get to anything approaching equality. Although she has seen significant change in her nearly two decades making movies, Ganddhir says we’re not yet where we want to be.

[SEEMA] Are women gaining momentum in the industry from your vantage point?

[GG] On the documentary side of things, there are more women in producing positions and directing positions, but it is still not equivalent in any way. Then if you step over into the scripted side of things, there’s a sad and clear demarcation between where women and men are, and particularly white men, remain in the most predominantly in the highest and most powerful positions. It is certainly better than it was maybe obviously 20 years ago, but we have a ways to go for sure.

[SEEMA] What are some signs that give you hope for gender parity in the film industry?

[GG] There’s been a lot of power building and organizing, and that’s where I really, you know, where I look to for hope. There are organizations like Brown Girls Doc Mafia. There are organizations like the Black Documentary Collective. There’s Women in Hollywood. Those organizations continue to push us forward.

[SEEMA] Tell us about the film you are debuting at NYIFF

[GG] Colonel Kalsi: Beyond the Call is a documentary film about an American Sikh army officer’s struggle to serve his country with honor and dignity. He is remarkable man who I am proud to call a friend, and he fought for equity and equality when it comes to religion in the Army. He’s a true warrior. He’s a doctor who comes from a minority that has faced persecution in India as well as here, and the film shows his refusal to accept the status quo. I can’t wait for people to see it.