Our Film Studio Team

Aisha

Aisha, one of the most prominent members of Sanatkada, spoke about the influence of education on her life. “In my home, education was given no importance. My father was absolutely against me going to school, but with a great deal of difficulty and my grandfather’s help, I managed to get admission into school. I always came first in class and loved to learn, but after grade 8 when it was a question of continuing to high school, my father persisted in rejecting my education.
It was only because I was stubborn that I managed to study further. I had to fight for anything I wanted to do and achieve. Only after I graduated was my father proud of me- I am the only person to have graduated from their studies in my entire village community.
I made everything happen by myself: I studied computer skills, sewing, and practiced all the time. I joined Sanatkada in 2011 to continue learning about computers and technology, and my life has completely transformed. I changed my life from a locked up world, to one that is my own.” Despite the closed off world Aisha grew up in, the education she sought out for herself has allowed her insight and train of thought to branch out far past the ideals of her family. What I found most remarkable was how blatantly aware she was of the oppression many women in Lucknow face, despite growing up with no exposure to progressive thinking.
I asked her about her perspective on gender inequality in India, she told me: “I have come to realize that there’s a big difference between the way that boys think and the way that girls do. Women have advanced, and so has their thinking. Now, we have to work with men and their views have to change as well. If they don’t change, how will women adapt in this oppressive culture? Sanatkada is its own world, but ultimately we are in Lucknow. We are making some changes in our own families with our brothers, but that’s not enough- we have to make broader change in the reality of the world we live in.”

Kahkashan Beg

My name is Kahkashan Beg.I live in Lucknow and I am a post graduate in Urdu from Kanpur University.
I am thankful to Sanatkada and Nirantar for helping me shape my professional career in Filmmaking. They have given me a platform to expose my skills along with training since 2009.
My turning point was in 2012 when I was given the opportunity to start my work with video unit team supported by Sanatkada. I am thankful to Hameeda and Sahba for their support to have been associated with this Organization. Gradually I progressed to making films that have been widely appreciated and have bagged 2 awards with my Team at the Ankur Film Festival at Nasik. My Team and I filmed profiles that helped me develop a strong insight, frame an open mind and a strong identity for myself.
I soon gained exposure and skills which later helped me move on to better equipment and technicalities. Currently, I have reached a stage where we accept orders to shoot films for various events such as exhibitions, seminars, weddings etc. We impart trainings to people in various cities and this has helped me transcend into a confident and an independent woman. The positive support from the people around us has helped us channelize our energy positively. It feels exhilarating to belong to a women centric team that operates the entire video unit. I love the fact that Sadbhavana Trust works and operates solely with women.Another big opportunity that came my way was the English Language Training at New Delhi in 2015 that helps me overcome various barriers today. I feel proud to say that I am the Asst. Co-ordinator for the Sanatkada Film Studio, a trainer of Videography, Photography and a Film-Editor. I have gained a lot of knowledge and skills in the past few years, and will continue to reciprocate the same to my country.

Saira Khan

My name is Saira Khan. I have completed my studies till class 5th. In 2011, my 4months training course taught me how to operate computers, Videography, Photography, and Film Editing. In gender training, I learnt about developing a strong individual perspective and a self-identity. I also learnt the skills of field work.
Initially I worked at the Sanatkada Film Studio as an employee where my team and I record documentaries, profiles, weddings and run a blog on issues like domestic violence, leadership training, people’s experiences, short films.(badaltifiza.worldpress.com / facebook page Sadbhavana Trust,Lucknow).
Currently, I am the Assistant coordinator of Sanatkada Film Studio. Working here has helped me become more confident about myself while interacting with people and travelling as per my work requisites without any hesitation.

Bushra Sheikh

I am Bushra Sheikh and have completed graduation in 2016 from Mumtaz P.G. collage.
I worked as a volunteer at (Sadbhavana Trust) under Sanatkada Film Studio and now as a permanent employee in the same year.
I have undergone gender training programme in which I learnt about identity, leadership and mobilization.With the help of Sadhbhavana Trust I have gained expertise in Photography, Videography and basic computer skills and technicalities.
I am a team member at the Sanatakada Film Studio since May 2017 and have been utilizing my skills in editing and shooting films with my Team.

Yasmeen Khatoon

My name is Yasmeen Khatoon. I am form Qaiserbagh,Lucknow. I had worked as a volunteer in (Sadbhavana Trust) Sanatkada Film Studio since 2017.
I have undergone gender training in which I learnt about identity, leadership and mobilization.With the help of Sadhbhavana Trust, I have gained expertise in Photography, Videography and basic computer skills and technicalities.
I am a team member at the Sanatakada Film Studio since May 2017 and have been utilizing my skills in editing and shooting films with my Team.