While we lived: India Week Hamburg share

Monday, June 23, 7 PM, Lichtmeß

With his program “While We Lived”, Anand Varadaraj, director of the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, takes a look at the Indian short form – with us and for us. Curated by him, the program sheds light on powerful stories from the fringes of Indian society, focusing on individuals often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Whether it’s a young girl caught up in a nighttime police raid or an elderly man struggling with memory loss – each film explores the human struggle for dignity in repressive or indifferent environments. Together, these films form a moving mosaic of contemporary Indian society, where marginalized voices reclaim their space and speak – with quiet strength – of justice, belonging, and humanity, while challenging traditional role models.

The short film program is part of India Week Hamburg, taking place from June 23 to 29, 2025 – featuring over 70 events in politics, business, society, science, culture, and sports.