As a early Patwardhan documentary completed in 1978, Prisoners of Conscience focuses on the state of emergency imposed by Indira Ghandi from June 1975 through March 1977. During this time over 100,000 people were arrested without charge and imprisoned without trial. They were released only by the government that replaced Ghandi's. The film also shows that political prisoners existed in India before the state of emergency and continued after the new government was elected.
The subject is useful as an historical document, but almost all of the interview footage with persons who had been imprisoned was filmed after their release. They are identified, but their place in Indian society is not explained. Why were these people selected for interviews, instead of another set? How do they relate to the Director's political views? Why were they seen as threats by the Congress Party?
With so many talking heads, it was hard to keep keep them straight and to keep my eyes open. Patwardhan's later films are much more compelling.
The subject is useful as an historical document, but almost all of the interview footage with persons who had been imprisoned was filmed after their release. They are identified, but their place in Indian society is not explained. Why were these people selected for interviews, instead of another set? How do they relate to the Director's political views? Why were they seen as threats by the Congress Party?
With so many talking heads, it was hard to keep keep them straight and to keep my eyes open. Patwardhan's later films are much more compelling.
