While We Watched

While We Watched follows the staff of a small, independent news channel in India as they navigate the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in an increasingly polarized and hostile environment. The documentary captures the daily struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by reporters and editors striving to deliver unbiased news amidst political pressure and declining revenues. It offers an intimate look at their dedication to truth in the face of adversity.

While We Watched has been widely praised by critics for its timely and urgent portrayal of the challenges facing independent journalism. Reviewers highlighted its intimate filmmaking style and its powerful depiction of the personal toll on journalists committed to their craft. The film is seen as a significant contribution to understanding the state of media in contemporary India and globally.

• Praised for its intimate and urgent look at the fight for independent journalism.

• Commended for its powerful depiction of the personal struggles of journalists.

• Recognized as a vital and timely documentary on media ethics.

Google audience: Google users have largely lauded the film for its compelling narrative and its insightful exploration of the pressures on journalists. Many appreciate its raw honesty and the way it humanizes the individuals behind the news, celebrating their commitment to truth.

Winner of the Amplify Voices Award at TIFF 2022 (premiered under the title 'While We Watched' in 2023), Audience Award for Best Documentary at Dok Leipzig 2022, Best Film Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) 2022.

The film was shot over a period of 15 months, allowing the filmmakers to capture the day-to-day realities and evolving challenges faced by the newsroom staff.