Indian documentary Laal Pari reaches Russia Film fest

“Laal Pari: A Road Fairy”, a documentary which covers the pan-Maharashtra footprint of “ST Bus” has been selected for inclusion in the official lineup of the Travel Film International Film Festival in Moscow in Russia.

The ST Bus, as it is commonly known, is run by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

The documentary film has been made by Santoshee Gulabkali Mishra, a Mumbai-based journalist, writer and filmmaker.

“Laal Pari” (Red Fairy) - which draws the name from the red colour of the bus - celebrates its journey of 75-years with people.

“This film depicts how Laal Pari runs the rural economy of the state. The ST bus isn’t just a transport for rural Maharashtra it is the lifeline of their lives. The film covers critical districts - Nandurbar and Dhule where driving the heavy vehicle is one of the toughest. The documentary shows dependency of women cultivators, farmers, traders, small businesses, government servants, school children especially girls, front line workers, teachers, and even senior citizens,” said Santoshee.

On the selection in the Travel Film International Film Festival the director Santoshee said, “It is indeed an honour for me and the team that our hard efforts are recognized internationally. For the Independent documentary filmmaker, the selection and its screening in theatres is like receiving an award. I am elated to share that our film has won the Best Film title in the Culture Cinema and was also selected by the Travel Film International Festival in Cyprus. These international recognitions indicate that there is a value of quality film and subject.”

The documentary depicts how bus service has successfully connected the disconnected people of the state. It shows the change brought in the lives of the downtrodden and under-privileged sections of the society.

The tribal community depending on forest cultivation from Melghat, Nandurbar, Dhule (the critical districts of tribes) can connect with the market because of the bus availability. The film depicts how the matriarchal community has become an integral part of the society.

The film also talks about rural women empowerment, especially hamlets, role of “Laal Pari” (Red Fairy) is implausible.

The women milk peasants, women cultivators, women working labourers are solely relying on the “Laal Pari” (Red Fairy).

This is the second documentary film by Santoshee , her first documentary film -"Mumbai 400008 a story of Pain , Betrayal and Desperation” was premiered in several countries.