The Oxfam & MAMI’s 'Women in Film' brunch on Wednesday saw some of the strongest women from cinema including actors, writers, producers and directors. What was special this year was the celebration Shadab Jahan’s inspiring story.

Shadab Jahan was a victim of domestic violence who shared her story of oppression and her fight for survival. She came with her daughter Rehana Ali from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. They spoke about their fight against violence and patriarchy, and how Shadab Jahan now helps other women through her NGO, Astitva.

Shadab expressed her elation at being able to share her story. “I am very happy to be a part of this gathering and to share my story with such an accomplished group of women. It was heart-warming to get support from strong women of the film industry,” she said.

Anupama Chopra, Festival Director

Rina Soni, director Oxfam India , said that the idea was to make reel life heroes meet real life heroes. "Ordinary women in India are fighting patriarchy, gender bias, and regressive social norms. It is time that Indian cinema celebrates brave women and take a look at the portrayal of women in films, which is far away from reality," she added.

Renowned names like Manisha Koirala, Kiran Rao, Kriti Sanon, Aahana Kumra, Sandhya Mridul, Renuka Shahane, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das were present at the brunch to lend their support.

Left-Right: Kiran Rao, Festival Chairperson, Oxfam. Rina Soni-Director, Oxfam India

The 'Women in Film' brunch is an annual event held during the Mumbai film festival as an extension of the Oxfam Best Film on Gender Equality Award.

This year four films have been shortlisted for the Oxfam Best Film on Gender Equality Award. The films that have been shortlisted this year are 'Village Rockstars’, 'The Hungry’, 'Granny (Ajji)’ and 'Checkmate (Turup)’. The winner will be announced on October 18th, 2017 on the closing night of the festival.

You can read about them and watch the trailers here.