‘The Backward Class’: Five-year-long passion project

HEADLINES BACKWARD CLASS FILM INDIA 07‘THE Backward Class’ is a feature length documentary featuring the first class of dalit (‘untouchable’) caste students to attempt the Indian School Certificate exams and aspire for university. Created by filmmakers Madeleine Grant and Jessica Cheung and supported by local entrepreneurs, Manny Padda and Shafin Tejani, the award-winning film will be screened at Vancity Theatre on April 18 at 3:20 p.m.

“The Backward Class was a five-year-long passion project, created with the help of an incredible team of Vancouver-based collaborators. We are overjoyed to be finally playing here in our hometown, and especially to find our project connecting with people like Manny and Shafin. Their support is invaluable to the furthering of this story that is so close to our hearts, and we look forward to sharing it with as many people as possible,” says Madeleine.

“I strongly believe that education is one of the most important investments a country can make for its people and its future.  It’s the The_Backward_Classsingle most effective way to reduce poverty and inequality.  That’s why the synopsis of this film resonated with me.  It shows how education can lift a group of children who are destined by birth to be India’s poorest citizens and possibly help their families break the cycle for generations of destitution,” says Tejani.

Padda and Tejani are giving away 25 packs of four tickets to Saturday’s screening of ‘The Backward Class’.

To enter:

  1. Tweet the following on Twitter: (1 entry)
  • I want to take my friends to the premiere screening of @BackwardClass via @VancityBuzz <link> RT to enter
  1. Follow The Backward Class on Twitter (@backwardclass)
  2. Like The Backward Class on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thebackwardclass)
  3. Leave a comment in the Vancity Buzz article telling us your favorite memory from school.