Impact Days Catalogue
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By Maria Kaur Bedi and Satindar Singh Bedi

Kalari

IMPACT DAYS

The study and practice of Kalari is enthralling young women in India. As the world’s oldest martial art, it is becoming increasingly significant in a society where violence against women is both historical and a daily reality. Our film Kalari follows a girl and a young woman on their journey towards self-empowerment.

Section : Impact Days
Country : India
Original languages : English, Malayalam
Directors
Maria Kaur Bedi (Switzerland / Switzerland)
Satindar Singh Bedi (India / Switzerland)
Producers
Esther van Messel (Switzerland)
Maria Kaur Bedi (Switzerland / Switzerland)
Satindar Singh Bedi (India / Switzerland)
Spirited Heroine
First Hand Films
Completion
July 2025
Impact Statement
The heart of our mission is to empower women and girls by promoting gender equality through training, education and advocacy, and making self-defense accessible. We want to equip women with the skills, confidence, and community support to stand strong. In Kerala, India, we aim to promote women-led Kalari training, advocate for self-defence in schools through educational materials, and spark discussions on gender-based violence through 20 community screenings. In Switzerland, we aim to launch monthly self-defence sessions in parks and organize 20 screenings at schools, scout camps, and martial arts centers to drive awareness. We further support women’s rights by encouraging advocacy, donations, and martial arts training for women.
Impact Goals
    Local goals – Kerala, India:
  1. Empower women & girls: Promote women-led Kalari training sessions before or after the screenings.
  2. Raise awareness: Host an initial 20 community screenings in Kerala at Schools, Universities and Kalari Centers.
  3. Promote self-defence in schools: Advocate for self-defense education in schools through flyers and social media tutorials.
    4. International goals – starting in Switzerland:
  4. Empower women & girls: Launch monthly self-defense sessions in Swiss parks, inspired by the parkrun movement.
  5. Raise awareness: Organize 20 screenings at schools, scout camps and martial arts centers.
  6. Support women’s rights: Encourage advocacy, donations, and martial arts training for women.
Impact Strategy
    Local Goals – Kerala, India:
  • Promote women-led Kalari trainings: A) Partner with female trainers and secure venues; B) Promote via flyers, social media, and local media.
  • Host 20 community screenings: A) Secure venues and permissions; B) Host post-screening discussions with experts and protagonists.
  • Promote self-defence in schools: A) Make ‘How to do Kalari’ flyers and online video tutorials; B) Distribute flyers in schools; C) Advocate for self-defense in school activities; D) Launch a social media campaign to increase reach.
    • International goals – starting in Switzerland:
  • Monthly self-defence sessions in parks: A) Partner with trainers/organisations; B) Set up an easy sign-up system and train volunteers.
  • Host 20 impact screenings: A) Partner with institutions to host screenings; B) Provide discussion kits and recruit ambassadors.
Contact
Primary contact
Daniel Schneider (Switzerland): daniel.schneider@firsthandfilms.com

Film funders
Creative Europe Media Switzerland
Zurich Film Fund
Bern Film Fund
Suissimage

Broadcasters
SRG & ARTE

Distributor
First Hand Films

Foundations & Philanthropists
Bürgi Willert Stiftung
Anne-Marie Schindler Stiftung
UBS Kulturstiftung
Burgergemeinde Bern
Walter Häfner Stiftung

Experts & Academics
Dr. Malavika Binny

Film funders
Creative Europe Media Switzerland
Zurich Film Fund
Bern Film Fund
Suissimage

Broadcasters
SRG & ARTE

Distributor
First Hand Films

Foundations & Philanthropists
Bürgi Willert Stiftung
Anne-Marie Schindler Stiftung
UBS Kulturstiftung
Burgergemeinde Bern
Walter Häfner Stiftung

Experts & Academics
Dr. Malavika Binny