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Draft:Say Cheese (2009 film)

  • Comment: Article doesn't show how the subject meets film notability criteria at WP:NFILM RachelTensions (talk) 00:31, 4 November 2024 (UTC)


Say Cheese
Directed byIshani K Dutta
Produced byIshani K Dutta
StarringSheru
Release date
2009
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Say Cheese is a 2009 Indian documentary film directed by Ishani K. Dutta.[1][2]

Synopsis

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The film follows Sheru, a 16-year-old who has spent much of his life on the streets of Delhi.[3] Through his daily life, the documentary depicts his efforts to balance work with his goal of saving money for a camera.[4]The film follows Sheru, who became homeless at a young age after leaving his family.[2][2] He quickly adapted to life on the streets, taking on various odd jobs to survive. However, Sheru’s life changed when he was introduced to photography during a workshop hosted by an Butterflies India NGO.[5] This experience sparked his passion for the camera, leading him to dream of becoming a photographer. Through Sheru’s journey, Say Cheese explores themes of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of art among underprivileged youth.[6][2]

Themes

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It captures the life and aspirations of Sheru, a 16-year-old who grew up on the streets of Delhi.[7] The film, through Sheru’s perspective, sheds light on the challenges faced by street children in India and the resilience they exhibit in pursuit of their dreams.[6][8][9][10]

Say Cheese address's themes of resilience and the impact of skill development and support programs on street children.[11] Through Sheru's involvement with CDK, the film examines urban poverty, child homelessness, and the ways in which creativity can provide direction for marginalized youth.[4]

Production

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Say Cheese was directed by Ishani K Dutta, who has previously produced documentaries focusing on social issues.[12] Her other films include Toxic Trail, examining e-waste management, and Womb on Rent, a film about surrogacy.[12][13][14] Dutta's other documentaries, such as Toxic Trail and Womb on Rent, have been recognized for their in-depth look at life in urban India.[15] Say Cheese has been screened at multiple film festivals and received positive reviews for its storytelling approach, which emphasizes the humanity of street children.[6]

Reception

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Critical reception and notability

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Say Cheese has received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of street life and its use of a real-life subject, Sheru, to tell the story. The documentary has been reviewed by several independent publications that analyze its social impact, particularly in highlighting the systemic issues that drive children to the streets.

  • The film has been featured by NHK broadcasted as part of NHK Inside Lens series in 2018 - English narration by which discuss both the director’s approach and Sheru’s role in the film.[16][8]

Awards and screening

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Say Cheese has been screened at WIFF, or Woodpecker International Film Festival, Delhi, 2018[7][17] as they are regarded as platforms for independent and documentary films in India.[11] The documentary has also been cited in educational contexts addressing street children and urban poverty.[6]

Significance

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The documentary film contributes to the discourse on child welfare and homelessness in India. By featuring a protagonist who strives for a better future despite his circumstances, Say Cheese aims to challenge common stereotypes about street children.[11] This aspect has been discussed in several editorials and reviews, which suggest that the film could raise awareness and potentially influence public perceptions regarding youth homelessness and poverty.[6]

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References

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  1. ^ Bhushan, Khushi. "Say Cheese: A Glimpse into the Resilient Spirit of a Delhi Street Kid". ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d Sathyendran, Nita (26 September 2019). "Say cheese!". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Movie Details of 30th Kolkata International Film Festival". kiff.in. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b Rawat, Prateek. "Meeting people like Sheru has been a humbling, learning experience: Filmmaker Ishani K Dutta". Cinestaan. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  5. ^ "Delhi की सड़कों पर एक नायक की कहानी". Hindi News Times Of Malwa. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e Chakraborty, Proma (29 November 2018). "Close-up and personal". The Patriot. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  7. ^ a b "SHERU OF THE STREETS | THE CARROT BLOG". 14 August 2021. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Say Cheese! | IMPLEO Inc. ドキュメンタリー番組/映画の配給 株式会社インプレオ". Say Cheese! | IMPLEO Inc. ドキュメンタリー番組/映画の配給 株式会社インプレオ. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  9. ^ Sheru: Say Cheese (Short 2018) | Short, Biography. Retrieved 1 November 2024 – via m.imdb.com.
  10. ^ "Inside Lens Say Cheese". nhk.or.jp.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ a b c B, ANIRBAN (27 July 2019). "THE SYD FIELD 'DOCUMENTARY' PARADIGM | therewillbetime". Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Reality show". The Times of India. 22 May 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  13. ^ "A Surrogate Story". The Indian Express. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Ishani K. Dutta". MATAsud (in Canadian French). Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  15. ^ "Womb on Rent - Women's Voices Now". Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  16. ^ Ali, Bajwa (11 August 2023). "Journey of a Delhi Street Photographer & Filmmaker Driving Social Impact – Film Daily". Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  17. ^ "Movie Details of 30th Kolkata International Film Festival". kiff.in. Retrieved 1 November 2024.

Category:2009 films Category:Indian documentary films Category:Documentary films about poverty Category:Films shot in Delhi

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