BETWEEN THE LINES - INDIENS DRITTES GESCHLECHT
D 2005 – Director: Thomas Wartmann – Original language: English, Hindi – Subtitles: German – Length: 95 min.
Between the Lines is a captivating peek into the exotic subculture of the hijiras, the eunuchs who live as outsiders on the fringes of Indian society, relying on begging and prostitution to survive. Biologically men, but with a female appearance, the hijiras reject identification with either gender. Theirs is a complex, challenging life full of ambiguity. Despite being infertile themselves, they are renowned for having mystical powers to spread fertility. Although they have no apparent sexual organs, their lives are replete with the erotic.
In this fascinating film, we accompany Delhi-based photographer Anita Khemka as she travels across India with three hijiras, Asha, Rhamba and Laxmi. Khemka's self-effacing investigative approach allows us privileged access into the hijiras' secret and enchanting world. She engages them in frank and intimate conversations, which reveal their struggles to survive in a society that regards them with both fascination and suspicion and their proud determination to protect their right to live as a "third sex."
Award: Vision School Award, Max Ophüls Festival Saarbrücken, 2006
English/Original Title: Between the Lines - India's Third Gender. Writer: Thomas Wartmann, Dorothea Rieker. Camera: Thomas Riedelsheimer. Sound: Nararayan Therar. Editing: Thomas Riedelsheimer. Music: Nils Kacirek. Production: Filmquadrat. Producer: Thomas Wartmann. International Sales: Telepool GmbH
