Writing With Fire (2021) — QuickBite Reviews

An underrated documentary that serves as a inspirational watch.

Writing with Fire is an inspirational documentary that reminds us all of the importance of grassroots journalism, specially highlighting the need of diversity in journalism which serves to unearth stories from traditionally silenced communities.

In the digitalization of India’s only newspaper run by Dalit women (called the “Khabar Lahariya”) Writing with Fire follows the Chief reporter Meera and crime reporter Suneeta as their team of journalists break traditions and expose stories that often go unreported by the popular Indian media. Although many had believed that the Khabar Lahariya was destined to fail, the film follows their successes as an influential newspaper.

As inspirational as their stories may be, the filmmakers fall flat of what could have been a powerful watch. The film felt unfocused and often dragged on — dragging the power of these women with it. The film doesn’t do justice to such incredible women.

While the film is nothing special, the story itself is nothing short of remarkable.