Profile and History
Jai Chandiram, the first Asian, elected as IAWRT President from 2001-2005, heads the India Chapter. Recognizing the organizational challenges of whether to increase membership or keep intimacy of a small organization; collection of dues; initiating more activities in between biennial conferences and making members proud of being part of the network, Jai proposed for a decentralization scheme in IAWRT. With guidance from the Board, creation of local or national chapters are encouraged who will serve as mechanism for making IAWRT network more visible at the local level. The chapters are expected to initiate activities that will enhance and build capacities of media women consistent with the organizational goals and interests; local system of collecting membership dues and sourcing additional funds to support chapter activities. The India Chapter members came from various fields of young freelance filmmakers, who wanted to make films, teach and screen their films at home and abroad. The others were producers in radio and media academics and managers. It was a small group but highly articulate and motivated to do something! Opportunities came when scholarships were offered to three members in Asia, projects in making programs, media training materials and the Asian Women’s Film Festival. The idea for the festival came when the filmmakers voiced the need for a platform to screen their work. The Asia Project also supported the publication Asian Women Look through the Lens. The publication has wonderful articles by filmmakers, academics and viewers. The continuing support from International India Center (IIC), universities and other organizations, will lead the Chapter to their Seventh Asian Women Festival in 2011. Many of the film projects that have been funded have won awards and the films have been screened both in local and abroad. The India Chapter has a total of 60 members comprising the biggest number of membership among the chapters.
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