(Vanaja), Rajnesh Domalpalli / IND, 2007
Telugu version / English subtitles, 112 min
Recognized as the “Best Debut” at Berlinale, this film tells the story of Vanaja, the 15 year old daughter of a financially troubled fisherman who goes to work in the local landlady's house in hopes of learning Kuchipudi dance. Set in rural South India, a place where social barriers are built stronger than ancient fort walls, the film explores the chasm that divides classes as a young girl struggles to come of age.
