Feb 05, 2024: Emmy Award-Winner James Higginson's latest documentary "Shuddhi” bagged the award for best international - short film at the 10th Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) from January 27-31, 2024. It focuses on the lives of leprosy patients, goes beyond conventional storytelling, presenting an emotional journey, a call to action, and a symbol of hope.
The much-anticipated world premiere of "Shuddhi" at RIFF 2024 took place in Jaipur and James Higginson won the best international award for short film , which deeply resonated with Indian audiences and ensured that the stories of leprosy patients were heard.
"Shuddhi" delved into the emotional dimensions of Hansen's Disease (leprosy), capturing real stories and conversations of leprosy patients. In doing so, it aimed to foster discussions and draw attention to rehabilitation programs, ultimately challenging the social stigma hindering free testing and treatment initiatives. The film presented a meditative portrait of familial tenderness and cultural respect against the picturesque backdrop of India's rivers, landscapes, and a remaining hospital for the disease.
Twelve years ago, James Higginson embarked on a photography assignment at Nimba Nimbadi Hospital in Jodhpur, where he encountered the stark realities faced by Leprosy patients. The lack of awareness surrounding the disease ignited a passion within him to create a film that goes beyond conventional storytelling, aiming to give voice to the stories and history of these patients. Higginson envisions "Shuddhi" as a tool to inspire a shift away from stigma and towards understanding, inclusion, and improved attitudes surrounding Leprosy.
Despite India being declared "Leprosy Eliminated" in 2005, recent statistics from the Health Minister reveal a startling fact – India accounts for 52% of the world's new leprosy patients. James Higginson passionately believes that "Shuddhi" has the power to motivate individuals to take a stand and actively contribute to eradicating leprosy in our lifetime.
The film offers a fresh perspective, distinct from existing works, covering its history and clinical aspects. Higginson understands that through early detection tests, medication, and preventive measures supported by government-funded programs and non-profit organizations like NLR India Foundation, leprosy can become a disease of no consequence.
About James Higginson:
James Higginson, an American Emmy Award winner, has dedicated his creative pursuits to serving the community and elevating public awareness of pressing social problems. For "Shuddhi," he served as director, producer, writer, and DOP. Even before its festival premiere, "Shuddhi" and Higginson have received notices of excellence for Best Cinematography, Best Director-Short Doc, and Best Doc Short.
As an artist and filmmaker, he is interested in what lies beneath the surface. Higginson seek out the cultural subtext and expose it in a seamless play between reality and representation, between perceptions of facts and opinions. He feels the subtext, the unsaid, can best be divined through indirect metaphor and asks us to pause, meditate, and question.
