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The Cultural Frontline: Lipstick Under My Burkha Censorship Row

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Lipstick Under My Burkha censorship row

13/05/2017 GMT

Lipstick Under My Burkha Censorship Row

BBC World Service - The Cultural Frontline, Lipstick Under My Burkha Censorship Row

Director Alankrita Shrivastava explains why it's important for women’s voices to be heard

Film director Alankrita Shrivastava explains why it is important for women’s voices to be heard

It won awards at film festivals around the world, yet Lipstick Under My Burkha was banned by the Indian film censors for being too “lady-oriented”. The film chronicles the secret lives of four women in small town India in search of a little freedom.  Its director, Alankrita Shrivastava explains why it’s important for women’s voices to be heard.

In Iran artists and film-makers have to grapple with censorship on an everyday basis, especially during the run up to the elections later this month. Journalist Dr Massoumeh Torfeh, explains how Iranian poets, film directors and musicians have learnt to make their arguments through symbolism and metaphor to escape retribution.

An artist famous for blowing up a shed and putting the actress Tilda Swinton in a glass cabinet for days has been chosen as the official artist of the UK General Election. The final work by Cornelia Parker will join the Westminster parliamentary art collection which documents and illustrates the history of the UK parliament over the centuries. 

Octopizzo, one of Kenya’s top hip hop artists, has a new single out this week. Called Nu Afrika it’s been inspired by his experience of growing up in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, and where he goes at least twice a week to soak up the vibes that influence his music. 

Presenter: Tina Daheley

Photo: Still from ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’.    Credit: Prakash Jha Productions

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