I often fly American Airlines or Delta Air Lines. The reason is the wide variety of movies and documentaries available to watch onboard.
I watched an Indian documentary in November. Being a woman and having studied gender at university, I like watching documentaries focused on women.
Writing with Fire (燃えあがる女性記者たち) : https://youtu.be/uv51mXOvjJw?si=7GLTFx-rM6GUv1Xx
*Age-restricted video
The documentary was released in 2021, and it focuses on a newspaper run by Dalit women.
I had heard the term “Dalit” before. It refers to the so-called “untouchables” within India’s Hindu-based caste system. Discrimination is now prohibited by law. If my explanation is wrong, please let me know.
They originally provided a print newspaper but shifted to digital due to technological advancements. They were learning how to use smartphones and going to visit crime scenes.
I really respect them. At the same time, I am worried about their safety. They are journalists at work, but they are also mothers and daughters in their personal lives.
One female journalist said in an interview, “Education is important for women.” This journalist holds a master’s degree in political science.
I agree with her. Education is the way for women to live independently.
The documentary has won several awards. Opinions vary, but I recommend it.
Photos by Pinterest
Writing with Fire is a deeply moving and courageous documentary that stays with you long after it ends. By focusing on Dalit women journalists, it sheds light on voices that have been historically silenced and reminds us why journalism matters—especially when it comes from those closest to injustice.
The film captures something extraordinary: women who are not only reporting the news but reshaping it. Watching them learn to use smartphones, shift from print to digital media, and walk into crime scenes with determination is both inspiring and unsettling. They are journalists doing their jobs, yet they are also mothers and daughters, carrying real risks alongside real responsibility. Their courage feels personal.