OFFICIAL TRAILER

Hansen's Disease(Leprosy) has affected over 5.2 million people globally, with sixty percent of those cases in India. SHUDDHI, touches on the physical and emotional toll of the disease and shines a light on the social stigmatization through a universal message of self-love, tolerance, dignity, and inclusion. The conversation between Baba(grandfather) and Dittu(grandson), set against the backdrop of the Ganges River and interwoven with a recurring metaphor of water, forms the essence of the film's narrative.

In the Hindi culture, purification ceremonies are performed by priests to heal the body and the soul, bringing inner peace and tranquility to the faithful. These ceremonies typically involve the use of water, with the Holy Ganges considered to be especially important. SHUDDHI features the documented preparation and performance of the Shuddhi ceremony, which allowed Dhan Ji, a patient with Hansen's Disease, to assume a state of purity before praying at an ancient temple.

At its core, SHUDDHI is a beacon of hope that celebrates the human connection that unites us all, regardless of our life experiences or backgrounds. The film encourages self-reflection and inspires viewers to contemplate questions of faith and fate, resistance and acceptance, love and redemption. With a compelling narrative and a heartfelt message, SHUDDHI urges us all to embrace our shared humanity and the beauty of our diversity.

WRITER/Director/Producer

GALLERY

PROJECT BACKGROUND

twelve years ago…

I first visited the Nimba Nimbada Hospital for Hansen’s Disease(Leprosy) as a photographer. I was immediately emotionally affected. At that time not all of the patients had undergone the available government medical drug treatment program to wipe the disease from their bodies. I thought there must be something more that can be done to increase awareness and in some way begin to diffuse the gripping social stigma that hampered the free testing and treatment programs. The SHUDDHI project was conceived to do just this, created from the assimilation and interpretation of the patient’s shared stories and our conversations.

The purpose of the project is to share a cinematic experience that offers a fresh perspective on Hansen's disease, distinct from existing works that cover its history and clinical aspects. Early detection tests, medication, and preventive measures for at-risk family members are all available through government-funded programs.

By delving into the emotional dimensions of Hansen's disease, SHUDDHI can generate renewed discussion and attention to these programs and their possibilities. It has the power to motivate individuals to take a stand and work towards the goal of eradicating the disease in our lifetime. SHUDDHI is an emotional journey, a call to action, and a symbol of hope all in one.

James Higginson

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Dhan ji

singari devi

bagH ji

baSANTI DEVI

GOKUL

HERRA MAA

RANJEET

BHARATI BAI

FACTS about HANSEN’S DISEASE (LEPROSY)

SHUDDHI, the film, poetically and emotionally describes the lives of those who can be considered the “last generation” of patients who carry the extreme physical effects of Hansen’s Disease. Patients who used to live in the ashrams/hospitals have been returning home to their families after treatment.

Since the introduction of the MDT programs in 1982 new patients diagnosed with Leprosy can remain at home and continue working and living normal lives during treatment. There is no need for isolation and the current reality is that people can see Leprosy as a ‘disease of no consequence’.

FACTS ABOUT HANSEN’S DISEASE(LEPROSY)

• 95% of the population is naturally immune to Leprosy

• Leprosy is not very contagious and not deadly. Exposures and conversions happen over a long period of time, not from one brief encounter.

• The mode of transmission is droplet infection.

• Those infected can carry the disease for 5-20 years without showing symptoms, meanwhile infecting others.

• Age groups most at risk are 5-15 and over 30 yrs old.

• An early symptom is the appearance of discolored patches on the skin that are numb to the touch.

• The bacteria responsible for Leprosy replicates at a very slow rate and effects the nerves and skin.

• Leprosy is completely curable with the MDT(Multi drug treatment) program for those infected and a separate drug program for their family members as a preventative.

• In India MDT is made available under government services that is free of cost.

• Early detection and treatment are key to prevent transmission.

• It is absolutely possible to eradicate Leprosy in our lifetime with adequate testing and education programs to increase awareness and participation.

WHO(World Health Organization) Fact sheet on Hansen’s Disease:

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE REVIEWED AND SUPPORT THE FILM, SHUDDHI, AS A TOOL TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND OPEN A DIALOGUE TO HELP END STIGMATIZATION, INCREASE TESTING, AND PROMOTE THE NORMALIZATION OF LIVES FOR THOSE LIVING WITH HANSEN’S DISEASE.

• NLR INDIA FOUNDATION(Until No Leprosy Remains) www.nlrindia.co.in

• NLR INTERNATIONAL(Until No Leprosy Remains) www.nlrinternational.org

• FOUNDATION RAOUL FOLLEREAU www.raoul-follereau.org

• INFOLEP www.leprosy-information.org

• DAHW(German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association) www.dahw.de