The Price of Free, a film documenting Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi’s efforts to rescue children from forced labour, has shaken and stirred one and all across the globe. Recently screened at Doha’s Ajyal Film Festival, the docu-feature has also won the US documentary grand jury prize at this year’s Sundance film festival. This 90-minute feature, directed by Hollywood’s young docu-filmmaker Derek Doneen, has garnered over three million views on YouTube since its release on Soul Pancake’s channel on November 27. Indulge caught up with the real-life hero, KailashSatyarthi and Derek Doneen, the director of the film. Excerpts:
Kailash Satyarthi:
How far has The Price of Free correctly depicted your work?
The movie holds up the mirror to everybody in the world showing the plight of children trafficked for forced labour and slavery. It is a slice from my life and work.
The film was shot during LIVE raids conducted by BBA (Bachpan Bachao Andolan). It also showcases the strategy adopted by BBA activists in rescuing such children, rehabilitating them, and the challenges they face in dealing with the police and other law enforcement agencies.
Derek wanted to show all the moods and shades of my life. He tried to capture moments where I would give up hope. I disappointed him there. My journey is all about taking the marginalised children from fear to empowerment, from despair to hope. There is no space for any gloom in my life.
Which incident while you were filming the documentary stood out to you?
All the raids documented in the film are LIVE and unique. This film is a humble tribute to my colleagues Dhoomdas, Adarsh Kishore and Kalu Kumar, who selflessly fought for children’s rights till their last breath. I had carried the body of Dhoomdas to hospital on my shoulders. I still carry the weight of his death. The film reignited some really painful memories.
Why do you think the Indian document filmmakers did not think of making a film on your work?
There has been a lot of interest from filmmakers in India as well, but we will also have to understand that this genre is still not a commercially viable venture in our country.
Have the children who were rescued by you and your organisation watched it? What was their reaction?
We have screened the film in our Bal Ashram (near Jaipur), Mukti Ashram (in the outskirts of Delhi) and Bal Mitra Grams (child friendly villages) across the country. The children are very elated that their stories of struggle and perseverance will help spread awareness about child slavery in the world.
Derek Doneen:
Congratulations on winning the grand jury prize at Sundance. How does it feel?
Thank you. I'm especially moved by the reactions from audiences, who have watched the film, especially young people, who want to do whatever they can to help Kailash in his mission to end child labour. I've met children as young as nine, who are moved to action as a result of seeing the movie.
The film released in New York and Los Angeles, how was the response?
The response at our theatrical premieres was great. I hope the film reaches as many people around the world as possible. It already has over three million views on YouTube and raised about $120k on the platform. We hope it continues to spread, because the first step to ending child labour is universal consciousness.
Are you planning for a special screening in India?
Yes, the details still need to be arranged, but I look forward to bringing the film to India.
What did Kailash Satyarthi have to say when he watched the film?
Kailash and his team have supported me and my team throughout the process. As we got close to premiering the film at Sundance, we were in constant communication, making sure the film’s message was right and he felt that the representation was as accurate as it could possibly be.
Your movie Spent: Looking for Change is also about Americans struggling to manage their money, have you always been affected by the underprivileged of the society?
I want to tell human stories that force people to think a little more carefully about the world around them and often that means amplifying voices on the margins. Growing up, Captain Planet was my favourite super hero. I hoped that when I grew up I would to get to meet heroes like that, who dedicated their lives to helping the planet.
What is the next project you are planning?
I have several exciting projects in development and hope to announce them sometime early next year.