A COLCHESTER filmmaker has been recognised for her portrayal of the harsh treatment of some Nepalese women.

Elena Dirstaru, 24, a PhD student at Essex University, received an Award of Merit from the IndieFest Film Awards for her documentary film.

But They Can’t Break Stones focuses on the controversial Nepalese tradition Chaupadi, whereby women who are pregnant or menstruating are forced outside their homes to sleep in sheds or outbuildings.

The tradition is rooted in superstition and women often die from exposure to such extreme conditions.

After experiencing gender inequality in Nepal first hand during a five-week internship in 2014, Elena, who is originally from Romania, was moved to highlight these issues on screen.

She said: “We have to raise awareness of all these issues because no one really knows what’s happening.

“Trying to read about the tradition and know more about it before I arrived in Nepal.

“It was very difficult because there wasn’t a lot written about it.

“While I was there I found Radha Paudel, who’s a prominent human rights activist and she also founded Action Works Nepal, which tries to better the livelihood of vulnerable communities in Nepal.

“She helped me a lot with the making of the film while I went from village to village to interview people. It was a very special experience for me.”

Gazette:

The international Award of Merit recognises filmmakers for the artistic and technical aspects of their projects.

But They Can’t Break Stones was filmed as part of Elena’s MA dissertation in Film Studies at Essex University.

She added: “Any kind of recognition is absolutely fantastic, especially for these issues which get little to no media coverage.

“My projects have always been centered on women’s rights and the way we’re represented on screen.”

After completing her PhD in 2017 Elena hopes to continue making documentary films.