KAMALI

Kamali is a seven year old girl who has been brought up by a traditional fishing family from Mahabalipuram where three generations of women live in the one household; young Kamali, her mother Suganthi, and Grandma Lakshmi; alongside three men, Grandpa, Uncle Santhosh and Kamali’s younger brother, Harish. Suganthi and Grandma Lakshmi have always lived by the traditional female roles in India, whereas Kamali’s generation is one of change, and her love of skateboarding is building both her confidence and opportunities on the horizon. Suganthi must decide between succumbing to pressure from the villagers and sealing the fate of tradition for her daughter, or, to turn her back on the old ways and free her daughter, but be forced to live a life of isolation from the community.
Suganthi has never been further than three streets from her house, however she decides to take a pilgrims journey alone, barefoot, to appease the Gods and secure Kamali’s fate. Suganthi must confront her past as she becomes empowered on her journey into the unknown. Back in the village, Santhosh, Kamali’s uncle, a first generation surfer is left to look after Kamali. Santhosh is a huge influence in Kamali’s life and is bringing her up with gender equality. He was raised a fisherman, like his father, but the family can no longer support themselves, for the ocean has become a dead zone.
As the family structure is dismantled we catch a unique glimpse into the transformation of Indian society in this incredible moment in time and skateboarding as a symbol of women redefining their roles in society and disrupting the status quo. Skateboarding is breaking gender stereotypes, and we watch as Kamali transforms as the symbol of hope and change for the future of women in India, in this intimate portrait.