Chai Dingari
Documentary Filmmaker & Videojournalist
Featured
Durga is a freelance journalist who has been published in prominent Telugu newspapers, Andhra Jyothi, Saakshi, Andhra Bhoomi and more.
In the early 1990's, her early writing focused heavily on issues of child labor and women's rights in Andhra Pradesh. She co-produced and organized many of the interviews and locations in Nari, as well as providing her own commentary throughout the film.
"I studied in the same schools and colleges, where thatched sheds were the classrooms and often classes were conducted under the shades of trees. The fate of many students who don’t have financial, moral resources concerned me a lot."
A retired CSIR scientist, Bapuji Maringanti holds six patents and has done significant studies of plant life and marine organisms, including discovering a ridge reef.
Through his field work, he often encountered tribal peoples in the various remote areas he visited. Through these interactions he developed a great interest in their way of life and their direct connection to the land.
He has spent a great deal of time in the Pattiseema area, and along with his family, has held interactive workshops and fundraisers for the tribal people in the area.
Bapuji assisted greatly in facilitating and coordinating research and field contacts in the West Godavari area.
Bapuji: "It is very common among the rural and tribal people that women carry most of the load. Men drink and work less often. It is common slogan in India "educate a woman- you educate the family" Women's economic freedom is the key for peaceful life. Women now understand that they have no limits and they can enter any so called man's area."