Valley of Fireflies (2021)

Valley of Fireflies explores the ancient ritual of defacing girls practiced by the Apatani tribe of Northeast India. This forceful mutilation involved face tattoos, puncturing nose and ears, and sometimes breaking the teeth of girls when they reach puberty. Some Apatanis believed that the tradition was to establish their identity and protect them while others believed it was an excuse to imprison women. Dr. Dani Duri, Founder of the Apatani Youth Association (AYA) fought against these practices and stopped them in 1974. However, his decision of cultural change faced extreme resistance. Some Apatani priests are still angry that their traditional ritual has been curtailed and want to bring it back.Valley of Fireflies is a tribute to the people who stood up against a tradition and brought dignity to the women of their tribe.