This paper critically examines Dweepa (Island), a seminal work by Girish Kasaravalli, through the lens of ecofeminism to explore the intertwined realities of gender oppression and environmental degradation in rural India. While mainstream Indian cinema has largely overlooked the intersection of ecological and gendered injustices, Dweepa, situated within the tradition of Indian parallel cinema, offers a compelling narrative that foregrounds the dual marginalisation of women and nature. Focusing on the displacement caused by dam construction, the film symbolically critiques the state-driven model of development that commodifies both the environment and women—particularly those from lower-caste and rural communities. Through a detailed textual analysis of the film’s narrative structure, visual symbolism, and cinematic techniques, this paper elucidates how Kasaravalli constructs a powerful metaphor of rising waters to represent both ecological devastation and the intensifying burden of patriarchal oppression. Central to this study is the character of Nagi, whose resilience in the face of environmental and social displacement exemplifies the lived experiences of marginalised women who bear the brunt of ecological crises. Drawing on ecofeminist theory and contemporary film scholarship, this paper situates Dweepa within broader debates on environmental justice, gender equity, and the role of cinema as a medium of socio-political critique. Ultimately, the study underscores the capacity of Indian parallel cinema to address pressing intersectional issues and contributes to emerging scholarship at the nexus of ecofeminism, film studies, and rural socio-environmental discourse in the global South.

Authors:
Vinyasa Hegade, Deakin University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Vinyasa Hegade is an assistant Professor at Manipal Institute of Communication, MAHE, India and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. with a full fellowship at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. He is Interested in Documentary films, Theatre and Indian Classical music.

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https://linkedin.com/in/vinyasa-hegade-74bb3564

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