Ryder Film Series: ‘Writing With Fire’

Prominent Indian journalists are regularly being arrested and jailed for “spreading disaffection against the Indian state.” Writing With Fire chronicles the challenges and triumphs of Khabar Lahariya, a newspaper staffed entirely by Dalit women (“Untouchables”).

A determined group of fearless young women, empowered by outrage and armed with a handful of smartphones (which they’re just learning to use), interview marginalized voices around the country, including rape victims whom the police ignore. This is investigative reporting at its most vital: bringing to account systemic sexist violence, corruption, and cynicism. Writing With Fire won the Audience Award at Sundance; it is nothing less than jawdropping.