‘Kicking Balls’ Debuts on WAVES: Tackling Patriarchy One Goal at a Time

From the creators of The Elephant Whisperers, Sikhya Entertainment and Viniyard Films bring Kicking Balls, a compelling documentary addressing the issue of child marriage in India. Premiered on November 22, 2024, on Prasar Bharati’s free OTT platform WAVES, the film tells a story of resilience and empowerment.

Directed by Vijayeta Kumar, Kicking Balls follows the transformative journey of young girls in Rajasthan who use football to challenge societal norms and patriarchy. The film captures five years of their growth and activism, showcasing how football becomes a powerful tool for change. Kumar shared, “This story is about breaking barriers, fighting deeply rooted traditions, and creating meaningful conversations around child marriage.”,

The documentary’s release on WAVES, Prasar Bharati’s free streaming platform, ensures nationwide accessibility, particularly in rural areas where such issues are most pressing. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, remarked, “WAVES is committed to informing and empowering communities, even in the remotest parts of India.”

Kicking Balls debuted at the New York Indian Film Festival, earning the Best Documentary Short award. With its impactful narrative, the film has resonated globally, aiming to inspire action against child marriage.

Producers Guneet Monga Kapoor, Ashvini Yardi, and Achin Jain emphasized the importance of accessible storytelling. “Distribution often limits important stories. WAVES ensures Kicking Balls reaches the communities where change is most needed.”

The film not only highlights the struggles of young girls in Rajasthan but also serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Through the lens of sports, Kicking Balls inspires a movement for societal change and gender equality.

Credit: This article is based on information from The Hindu, The Times of India, and Scroll.in.

Key Highlights:

1. Kicking Balls, a documentary by Sikhya Entertainment and Viniyard Films, premiered on Prasar Bharati’s WAVES on November 22, 2024.
2. Directed by Vijayeta Kumar, the film captures the journey of Rajasthani girls using football to combat child marriage.
3. The documentary debuted at the New York Indian Film Festival, winning Best Documentary Short.
4. WAVES ensures the film’s accessibility to rural and underserved communities in India.
5. Produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor, Ashvini Yardi, and Achin Jain, Kicking Balls promotes resilience and gender equality.