“A girl’s life is cruel... A woman’s life is very cruel,” notes Sampat Pal, the complex protagonist of this foray into the lives of extraordinary women. Sampat Pal, like many others, was married as a young girl into a family which beat her often. But unusually, she fought back, leaving her in-laws and eventually becoming famous as a champion for beleaguered women throughout Uttar Pradesh. Rekha, a 14 year old Untouchable, is 3 months pregnant and homeless – unable to marry her unborn child’s father because of her low caste. 15 year old Renu's husband from an arranged marriage has abandoned her and she's threatening to kill herself. Both young women, frightened and desperate, reach out for their only hope - Sampat Pal. Pink Saris is an unflinching and often amusing look at these unlikely political activists and their charismatic leader. Her partner Babuji, who has watched Sampat Pal change over the years, is less certain...
Kim Longinotto is one of the pre-eminent documentary filmmakers working today, renowned for creating extraordinary human portraits and tackling controversial topics with sensitivity and compassion. Longinotto's films have won international acclaim and dozens of premiere awards at festivals worldwide. Studied camera and directing at England's National Film School (NFS). After the NFS she worked as the cameraperson on a variety of documentaries for TV. In 1986, Longinotto formed the production company Twentieth Century Vixen with Claire Hunt.
Dream Girls (1993), Shinjuku Boys (1995), Divorce Iranian Style (1998), The Day I Will Never Forget (2003), Sisters in Law (2005), Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go (2007), Pink Saris (2010)
