India, June 18 -- At the India International Centre, beside the Lodhi Gardens in full bloom, the scent of the Delhi spring still lingered fresh in the air. The flowers were ablaze with life, and so was the screen at the Asian Women's Film Festival held from 13 to 15 March. Showcasing 75 films spanning documentary, fiction, animation, and experimental work, the 21st edition of AWFF had everything generally expected from a women's film festival: masterclasses? check; panel discussions? check; a fierce urge to challenge patriarchal structures? double check.

Women's film festivals often are an act of resistance. Festival director Bina Paul believes that they are also a show of solidarity. "It is rare that women come and celebrate their work,...