The project adopted an innovative inter-disciplinary approach which uniquely combined media analysis with creative film practice. The research team (Bisht, Kidwai, Giraud & Devi) firstly examined existing representations and storytelling around air pollution in Indian news media (between 2020-2022). Some clear shortcomings were identified: limited focus on inequalities in vulnerability and harm; absence of voices and perspectives from those most directly exposed and affected; scientifically unsound emphasis on weather-related and ‘non-local’ rural contributors to air pollution; little emphasis on the need for structural and systemic changes and imaginations of alternative futures.

These insights fed into the development of three short documentary films where the project team (Bisht, Kidwai, Giraud & Devi), functioning as creative supervising producers, worked collaboratively with teams of filmmakers and grassroots advocacy organisations. The research team were involved in shaping of the film projects from the idea stage right through production and post-production. The design of each film seeks to address and evolve a new set of public narratives about air pollution and also embody a new framework for storytelling that is more ethical, inclusive, just and empowering, presenting voices, perspectives and futures that have been absent from public conversation.

The films have been showcased at the British Academy’s Summer Showcase in June 2023 and had a public release in New Delhi in September 2023. The films are now being used by a variety of different stakeholders in New Delhi as part of a programme of public screenings with a particular focus on young people, including to hundreds of schoolchildren in secondary schools and university students. You can watch the films below. We welcome feedback and screening inquiries. Please contact, Dr Pawas Bisht at <p.bisht@keele.ac.uk>.

Delhi 2.5

A film by Amit Bose and Siddhartha Subramanian; Creative Supervising Producers- Bisht, Kidwai, Giraud & Devi

The film ‘Delhi 2.5’ by filmmakers Amit Bose and Siddharth Subramanian focuses on health of Delhi’s children and the menace of air pollution in a city that sees just a handful of good air days in a year. The film works with citizens, concerned mothers and youngsters to communicate their experiences, concerns and activism in relation to air pollution.

More Than Just Smoke: Stubble, the Farmer’s Dilemma

A film by Shaz Syed; Creative Supervising Producers- Bisht, Kidwai, Giraud & Devi

The film ‘More Than Just Smoke: Stubble- The Farmer’s Dilemma’ by Shaz Syed looks at the issue of stubble burning in the state of Punjab. It shifts perspective from mainstream news headlines to the vast agricultural expanse of Punjab and to its farmers. It takes a small region as an example to reflect upon how farmers are caught in a web of agricultural policies that have over the years led to a steep decline in farming practices which have in turn adversely affected the land’s ecology and environment.

City Moves

A film by Avikal and Asna; Creative Supervising Producers- Bisht, Kidwai, Giraud & Devi

The film ‘City Moves’ by filmmakers Asna Jamal and Avikal Parashari looks at the issue of air pollution through the lens of mobility justice. It explores non-motorised transport as the sustainable solution for tackling air pollution in Delhi. The film documents how access to the city is embedded in the segregated spatial reality of Delhi.