FILMS|| TITLES|FILMMAKERS|COUNTRIES

Death Sentence
Prakash Jha|India |1997 |119 min.| drama

This dramatic Indian feminist thriller follows the path of a woman, Ketki, from servile wife to glorious avenging goddess, heroic in her efforts to save herself and her "sisters." Horrified by the brutal murder of a mother and her young daughter, accused respectively of adultery and witchcraft, Ketki reveals to the community that these women are casualties of a corrupt patriarchal socio-economic system. Inevitably, a death sentence falls on her head. But this distaff warrior fights back.

Director: Prakash Jha
Screenplay: Prakash Jha, Rajan Kothari, Anil Ajitabh
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Rajan Kothari
EDITOR: Prakash Jha

In Hindi with English subtitles.

US Premiere, 1998 HRWIFF. Distributed by Jane Balfour Films Ltd. Burghley House, 35 Fortress Road, London NW51AQ England, Ph: 011 44 171 267 5392 Fax: 011 44 171 267 4241 Email: janebalfourfilms@compuserve.com

Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha was born and raised on his family's farm in Champaran, Bihar, India in 1953. He studied physics at Delhi University until deciding to work on the family farm in 1970. Jha moved to Bombay in 1972 to study at the Film & television Institute of India. He has been making films independently since 1974 -- completing over 25 documentaries, five features, along with numerous television projects. Jha's feature films include the award- winning DAMUL (BONDED UNTIL DEATH, 1984), award-winning HIP HIP HURRAY (1984), PARINATI (THE INEVITABLE, 1986), BANDISH (THE BONDAGE, 1996), and MRITYUDAND (DEATH SENTENCE, 1997). Documentaries include: PAS DE DEUX (A DANCE BY TWO, 1981), award-winning FACES AFTER STORM (1982), SHREE VATS (CHILDREN OF GOD, 1982), MAY I THANK SIR (1983), PARAMPARA (TRADITIONS, 1986), EK AUR ITIHAAS (ONE MORE HISTORY, 1987), and EK ABIHBYAKTI (AN EXPRESSION, 1988).

Jha has worked on many acclaimed television serials and documentaries. He is also associated with a grassroots movements for social and cultural renaissance.

---

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL