The Beginning - a film on the rebellion to end FGM/C

FGM/C is a global human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women. The Beginning, directed by award-winning filmmaker Insia Dariwala and produced by Equality Now in partnership with Sahiyo, is the first fiction film on FGM/C from Asia, a powerful story of resistance and change.
This short film follows a Bohra mother torn between tradition and the painful reality of FGM/C. As she faces pressure to continue the practice, she begins to question its impact on future generations.
Why This Film Matters:
FGM/C remains unrecognized and unaddressed in many countries, including India, where no official data or a separate law exists to prevent it. The Beginning sheds light on the trauma, resilience, and rebellion of a survivor-mother, calling for global action.
🌍 Zero Tolerance Day 2025 Theme:
"Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM"
This film urges individuals, communities, and leaders to step up and take urgent action to end FGM/C.
📢 Join the Movement. Watch, Share, Act. The cut stops with us.
🔗 Learn More:
👉 equalitynow.org
👉 sahiyo.org
🎬 Film Credits:
Director: Insia Dariwala
Produced by: Equality Now & Sahiyo
Supported by: Survivors, activists & global advocates
Honorary Mentions & Awards:
Winner, Best Short film , New York Film Festival, 2024
Honorary Mention, London Cult Film International, 2024
Official selection, Caravan international film festival 2024
Official selection, ECOCINE -International Environmental and Human Rights Film Festival 2024
Official selection Yellowstone International film festival 2024
Official selection, SAIFF (Florida) 2024
Best Female Writer Award, Pune Short Film Festival,2024
#SteppingUpToEndFGM #TheBeginningFilm #ZeroToleranceDay #EndFGM #TheCutCanStopWithYou #EqualityNow #HumanRights #Sahiyo #FGMC