Crushed Wings

The only fault of the poor Ria is that she grew up and lived her childhood in a society that adopts wrong beliefs with no relationship with the religion that's based on mercy and softness and prohibits and bans everything that could harm a person.

As I live in a conservative society and may adopts some false beliefs, even if it will lead to harmful, i found this film unveiled a deep and a classic phenomenon on our arabic society such as the female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

It's a great film that I advise the arab society to which I belong to watch it, as it addresses a social dilemma that must one day end.

Directed by Lalit Bhusal, Crushed Wings showcases a powerful tale of fighting against the odds and against culture to do what is right. Taking inspiration from millions of women around the world forced to undergo FGM, Crushed Wings develops a protagonist forced to undergo the same procedure, only to empower her to chart a dangerous journey in a deeply patriarchal society to save her two sisters from the same fate that beset her.

Doing double duty as both writer and director, Bhusal weaves a complex yet intimate portrayal of a sensitive issue. Using a moving script and powerful yet nuanced performances, Bhusal puts the audience right into the protagonist's shoes, making a bold and daring statement about a practice that the world has been so far unable to eradicate.

Moving and poignant, Lalit Bhusal's feature about the horrific practice successfully holds up the mirror to society, moving its audiences everywhere to redouble their efforts to bring an end to FGM. Anchored by terrific performances and an emotional story at its core, Crushed Wings will definitely breathe a new life into the movement to end FGM and is bound to make much deserved waves at upcoming festival screenings.

As a woman living in the Philippines, a conservative country, and religion as the basis of morality, I feel this movie. Although some cultural practices or traditions may differ, I can still relate to the stigma when it comes to female sexuality. How a woman's purity and worth are based on their genitalia, and women are nothing more but the bearer of the children and servant for the husband.

The scenes are depicted strongly and very moving! It can be an eye-opener for children's rights, women empowerment, and sexual violence. I love how they showcase the scenes realistically as possible. It can strike a conversation. I believe that these things happen and need to talk about more often. When it comes to consent in terms of FGM, it gives in-depth detail about the said practice. It can affect a person and can cause trauma. A traumatic experience can last a lifetime.

Ria's narratives are heartfelt. Her dialogue is relatable and easy to understand that's why you can empathize with her. Her symbolisms and metaphors are interesting that makes her dialogue more catching. As she walks through life alone, you can feel her despair and longing for answers.

All in all, I can say that this can be used to open taboo and stigma-related topics.

Portrait of a crude reality that feels alien to us in other parts of the world but that doesn't make it less relatable or painful to see, and that it takes a path where this cultural heritage is questioned and shown from the perspective of those who suffer the consequences (one cannot help but to cheer for Ria in the mission she embarks on).

It shows that it is possible to question and break the cycle of a tradition that oppresses and tortures millions of women today, gives a voice and hope to the victims of these FGM rituals, especially bearing in mind that it is based on a collection of stories by survivors with different backgrounds.

Regarding the technical aspect, I think it is very successful, photography is impressive and quite typical of the place to which it refers, the edition feels very natural and the direction of Lalit Bhusal builds a story very fluent and entertaining to watch.

Beautiful Film, I believe the Topic, FGM has been Interpreted quite Sensitively by the Director and the whole team. Oznur has done a great job, being the main lead and so have the others. Simplicity, Speaks Volumes, Whilst Conveying a Important Social Message.