Women authors script history, not films

GUWAHATI: A strange dichotomy exists in Assam as far as cinematic adaptation of women's writing is concerned. While works by Jnanpith-winner Mamoni Roysom Goswami, Rita Choudhury, Mani Kuntala Bhattacharjee, Anuradha Sarma Borpujari and Arupa Patangia have garnered admiration, not many filmmakers have come forward to adapt these works in the last few decades of Assamese cinema.
Writer Rita Choudhury said, "As far as I know, only Mamoni baidew's work was made into a film and that too by a woman-Santwana Bordoloi. It is difficult to understand why our literary works have not interested filmmakers. Sometimes I feel that producers, most of whom are male, look down on women writers. I might be wrong. Good filmmakers have transformed the work of male authors in Assam. One filmmaker has recently shown interest in one of my works. Let's see what happens.
Women authors agreed that they felt discriminated against, but members of the film fraternity demurred that the slight, if any, was not deliberate. For most directors the quality of work superseded issues of gender.
Filmmaker Jahnu Barua said, "Women have always found an important place in serious films. However, it is difficult to say why women's literature has not interested filmmakers to a great extent. I personally feel Assamese women writers have come up with some remarkable writings and their cinematic adaptation will definitely be a treat to watch. I am exploring some possibilities as well. There is a higher sense of emotional involvement, inner strength and sensitivity in women. I used to observe these qualities in my mother when I was a child. Hence, I believe in the strength of women." Writer Anuradha Sarma Borpujari said, "Except for 'Adajya', based on Mamoni baidew's work, no other film has been based on women's writing in the state. I agree that the cinematic adaptation of a book has some limitations due to time constraints. However, if explored well, good filmmakers can definitely find strong material in Assamese women's literature."
She added, "My story, 'Kanchan', ran successfully at Hengul mobile theater for two years on public demand. But, when award winning actor-director Bidyut Chakraborty tried to adapt it as a film, financers were not found. He chose the other alternative of making a play which will be staged during the Women's Day weekend in the city. The story revolves around exploitation of working women. Some suffer sexual abuse, while some are emotionally harassed. Others are not given their due, financially. So any woman can relate to the story."
Filmmaker Manju Borah said, "Yes, I feel inspired by women's writing in Assam, though I have not been able to turn any such work into a script.