INDIA: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa is preparing to showcase a story rooted deep in the deserts of Rajasthan yet resonating with audiences across the world. The documentary Piplantri: A Tale of Eco-Feminism, directed by filmmaker Suraj Kumar and produced by Dr. Garima Singh, is set for its World Premiere on 24 November 2025 at 9:30 AM at INOX 2. The film has been officially selected for the Indian Panorama in the Non-Feature category, marking a major recognition for a story that blends environment, community resilience, and gender empowerment.
At the heart of the film lies the extraordinary transformation of Piplantri, a village in Rajsamand district that refused to accept ecological decline as fate. Instead, it became a model of eco-feminism and sustainable development under the visionary leadership of Padma Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal. What began as a personal tribute by a grieving father has today become a global lesson in how local action can reshape society.
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Paliwal’s journey started after the tragic loss of his daughter. In her memory, he initiated a practice that would soon echo across India and beyond: planting 111 trees for every girl child born in the village. The symbolism was powerful, linking daughters with life-giving nature and signalling a shift away from old prejudices tied to gender. Over the years this practice grew into a community tradition, binding families, institutions, and local ecosystems together through a shared commitment to nurture both daughters and the environment.
The documentary explores this evolution in both intimate and expansive ways. It captures families celebrating the birth of girls, villagers tending to groves of flourishing trees, and women participating actively in the community’s environmental stewardship. In doing so, the film highlights how ecological revival can coexist with social progress, each nurturing the other. What emerges on screen is not merely a story of planting trees but a story of planting hope.
Director Suraj Kumar describes the project as an emotional and philosophical journey. “Piplantri is not just a documentary. It is a living example of how vision, empathy, and community spirit can heal the planet. The birth of every girl here becomes a celebration of life itself,” he shared. His approach focuses on portraying the everyday moments that make Piplantri extraordinary, from the quiet dedication of villagers to the exuberant ceremonies that accompany each new planting.
Producer Dr. Garima Singh believes that the film’s selection at IFFI reflects a growing global appetite for stories grounded in real community action. “This selection is an acknowledgment of the power of local stories to inspire global conversations on sustainability and gender equality. Piplantri shows that change does not always need big budgets or government mandates. Sometimes it begins with compassion and a simple idea,” she said.
The film is produced under the banner of Johnsons Suraj Films International, a company that has been increasingly focused on narratives rooted in grassroots resilience and environmental consciousness. With this premiere, the team hopes to elevate India’s voice in global ecological cinema and encourage more filmmakers to look toward real communities for compelling narratives.
Beyond its festival run, Piplantri: A Tale of Eco-Feminism is expected to spark fresh dialogue among policymakers, educators, environmentalists, and gender rights advocates. Its message aligns with broader national and international agendas focused on sustainability, climate action, and women’s empowerment. For many viewers, the documentary promises to serve as a reminder that solutions to some of the world’s largest problems may already be growing quietly in small villages like Piplantri.
As IFFI 2025 opens its doors to filmmakers and audiences from around the world, Piplantri’s story stands poised to resonate far beyond the festival grounds. The village that once battled drought and social challenges will now share its triumph with a global audience, offering a model of unity, dignity, and ecological harmony.
The World Premiere of Piplantri: A Tale of Eco-Feminism will take place on 24 November 2025 at 9:30 AM at INOX 2 in Goa, marking a milestone for the filmmakers and for the community whose story continues to inspire.
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