Rebels with a Cause: The Story of Unfreedom

The film is a contemporary thriller directed by Raj Amit Kumar about a society torn apart by political, religious, and sexual turmoil. The film deals with questions of religious fundamentalism, homophobia, Islamophobia and violent extremism. Issues that are important to Indians and demands to be highlighted and discussed openly. A searing indictment of human rights violations, Unfreedom is a film that demands to be seen and discussed by people who support cinema that is both moving and motivating.

Set in two different cities, New York and New Delhi, the film approaches sexuality and violence head on with a focus on the Muslim and LGBT identities.
In New York arrives a fundamentalist Muslim Mohammed Husain, imprisoned by his brutal past, on a mission to kidnap and kill a peaceful Muslim scholar, Fareed Rahmani. “The choices we make, when we are most cornered in life, define who we are.” Once they come face to face, the only way out is through a true examination of the bare bones of each one’s existence to make a choice.
In New Delhi, Leela Singh, a closeted homosexual girl leaves her orthodox cop father’s home with a mission to kidnap her activist bisexual lover, Sakhi Taylor, and marry her. Not only do the lovers need to come to terms with their own differences, they need to face Devraj, the truth of the society they live in.

It wasn’t long ago when 'Unfreedom' screenings had started its journey back in 2014 and had its first audience screening at Portland Film Festival 2014 on 30th August 2014 followed by the screening at Indie gems – Sydney on 12th September 2014 and then the red carpet/opening film at Chelsea Film Festival New York on 16th October 2014. Then came the first Indian screening at International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). 'Unfreedom' was the opening and closing film of Indian Cinema Section at IFFK 2014. The movie was greeted with immense praise and critical acclaim.
During the same time, the film was going through Indian censor processing to get a commercial release and gradually but unfortunately the film met the ban decision in March 2015. Though the director had expected some cuts but the ones that were suggested by Censor Board completely shook his idea about portraying the story to the people.
The trailer was launched on iTunes on March 18th and the same day Film Festivals and Indie Trailers copied it on their channel and published it on their YouTube Channel. The trailer had received 8.5 lakhs views in over a month there. It wasn’t long after this that the trailer released on YouTube on 23rd March 2015 on the official 'Unfreedom' channel received 14.5k views by 18th April 2015.
The director decided to act beyond the ban status of his film and released a plea video on YouTube -to vote against censorship on 9th April, 2015. Undeterred by the setback of restrictions of commercial screenings, the team/he embarked on a campaign of grass-root screenings. The first screening was organized at IIT Mumbai on 8th May 2015. After the screening, there was a question and answer session between the director and students who watched the movie in their college auditorium. With this, the movie received great acknowledgement and acclamation.

With this screening, the journey to take 'Unfreedom' out to people started; to show what the film has to express. There was no looking back! The voice and the hard work had to reach out to audience, who should have the complete right to voice their opinion. The 'Unfreedom' team was determined to do so and today with the completion of more than 50 private screenings across 15 cities of India, this campaign has definitely paved way for freedom of expression to mark its success/existence.
With the theatrical release in North America on its scheduled date of 29th May, 2015, it released in all American major cities like New York, Miami, LA. In India, though the film could not reach theatrical screens but the team of 'Unfreedom' has been working hard to make this creation reach out to people through “private” screenings.
This journey completed its 54th private screening on 5th January, 2016.
The efforts have not stopped. It’s still going on and with this milestone of 50+ screenings across India so far, it’s just got stronger. Hoping that the filmmaker’s expression reaches out to as many people as possible through the route of these screenings despite adhering to the restrictions/limitations which will have to be followed under the ban status.

Set in the most archetypal cities of economic and patriarchal control, four characters come face to face with gruesome acts of violence in a battle of identities against unfreedom. “Unfreedom ” examines the struggle between the powerful and powerless and those who strive to stand against dominating torturing socio political injustices.
The film stars BAFTA nominee Victor Banerjee and 'Life of Pi''s Adil Hussain. Cinematography is by National award winner Hari Nair and sound design is by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty.

Disclaimer: This article is a personal opinion and does not represent views of MyMovieRack in any form.