A UT Narrative Production Film written and directed by Tanvi Rudraraju.

On the morning of her wedding, a daughter wrestles with the delicate folds of trying to wear a saree, only to realize that each struggle with the fabric mirrors her unspoken anger at her mother’s absence on this milestone day.

Any donation large or small is greatly appreciated, the credits below are incentives! Feel free to donate more than $50 and you will still retain an Associate Producer Credit!

$10- Social Media Shoutout

$25- Special Thanks

$50- Associate Producer

** Please mention your full name in donation for appropriate credit. **

This story has been brewing in my mind for a long time. The concept of self is not new to cinema, yet I felt there was a unique perspective I could bring to it. While learning about the Cantonment Act of 1864 in India, I was both infuriated and enlightened. It revealed how generations of women have continued to bear the weight of a social norm that treats them as means for men’s pleasure. Though the film doesn't aim to focus on the historical event it does utilize Indias history as a context for which our story takes place within.

At its heart, however, this film is about love, the complicated and ever-present bond between a mother and daughter. I wanted to explore this relationship not through conflict, but through emotion and the realization that, no matter the distance or unspoken pain, a daughter always needs her mother, whether she admits it or not.

Telling two such complex ideas within a five- to six-minute, dialogue-free short film has been a challenging yet deeply rewarding process. With the help of our incredibly talented crew, we hope to translate these layered emotions into a visual experience that speaks for itself.

Any support or donation means the world to me and to everyone involved in bringing CHIRA to life.

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