Watch It's a Girl

It's a Girl is a powerful 2012 documentary that explores the gendercide crisis in India and China. Directed by Evan Grae Davis, the film sheds light on the alarming practice of female infanticide and sex-selective abortion that has been going on in these countries for decades. It's a Girl is a sensitive and emotional examination of a deeply disturbing issue that has long-lasting implications for millions of girls around the world.

The film starts with a couple of harrowing stories of women who have suffered this issue first-hand. A young woman from India narrates her own story of being denied an education because her parents believed daughters were a burden. A Chinese mother talks about the pain she experienced after being forced to abort her second child because it was a girl.

The documentary traces the roots of the gendercide crisis and its social, cultural and economic underpinnings. Davis interviews activists, experts, and people on the ground to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.

The political, social and cultural forces that lead to gendercide are largely rooted in deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that view women as inferior and worthless. The belief that a male child brings prosperity and honor to a family, combined with the social pressure to have a son, has led families to go to extreme lengths to ensure the birth of a boy. In several parts of India, the birth of a male child is celebrated with fireworks and parties, while the birth of a girl is considered a tragedy.

The film goes on to highlight the lack of access women in many countries have to reproductive health services, education, and economic opportunities. These factors contribute to the prevalence of gender-based violence and ultimately fuel the gendercide crisis.

It's a Girl balances the stories of real people with a wealth of chilling statistics. For instance, the film notes that there are an estimated 200 million missing girls worldwide due to gendercide. In India alone, thousands of female fetuses are aborted every day, while in China, the one-child policy combined with gender bias has led to millions of 'excess' men.

However, It's a Girl isn't just an exploration of a problem, but it also offers hope for possible solutions. The documentary profiles various individuals and organizations that are working to address gendercide and empower women in India, China and beyond. Activists, healthcare workers, and educators share their experiences and the steps they take to improve the lives of girls and women in their communities.

The documentary encourages viewers to take action and support organizations working to end gendercide. It also highlights successful approaches communities have taken to tackle gender discrimination in various parts of the world.

In addition to the severity and urgency of the issue, the documentary is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the beauty of India and China. The soundtrack is also a standout feature of the film, featuring a mix of contemporary pop and traditional music that captures the spirit of the cultures in which the film is set.

In conclusion, It's a Girl is a poignant and powerful documentary that exposes a global crisis that affects millions of girls worldwide. Through its exploration of the social, cultural, and political factors leading to gendercide, the film raises awareness of gender discrimination and bias. It's a film that inspires us to take action and provides hope for the future.

It's a Girl is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.