Winner of the “Truth to Power Documentary Award” at the 2015 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Driving With Selvi continues to be screened, and to inspire, around the world. To date the film has been at over fifty film festivals and has received multiple awards.

Shot over the course of ten years, Elisa Paloschi, director, producer and cinematographer, the documentary provides the privilege of experiencing Selvi  Kunjigowda’s indomitable spirit.

Whether it’s in the moments that she excitedly speaks of her passion for driving or when she chooses not to dwell, or delve too deeply, into all that she has been through, Selvi’s strength, persistence and hope radiate from her. The very hope that kept her from taking her life, as she had initially planned to, when she fled her ex-husband who she had been forced to marry; the very hope that led to her becoming the first female taxi driver in South India; the very hope that inspires her to advocate for the betterment of other Indian women’s lives.

As part of the advocacy work that has grown alongside the film’s reception, Selvi and Elisa are leading a social-impact campaign called Save Her a Seat. For every $10 donated, a girl or woman in India will be sponsored to see the film. The campaign includes screenings and facilitated dialogue, with their Indian partner organizations. With sustainability a key objective, Save Her a Seat also seeks to support economic independence for women like Selvi, by promoting non-traditional livelihoods and providing bursaries to women for driver training programmes.

If you’re in Toronto this week you’ll have the opportunity to watch the documentary and meet Selvi and Elisa at the Hot Docs Cinema this afternoon or Thursday evening – buy your tickets here!

For details about other upcoming screenings, or to find out about hosting a screening, check out the official website.