Are They Better Off (2016)

A place in India where people rejoice when a girl is born and houses bear the names of women is Meghalaya. Khatduhs are the youngest daughters of Khasi matrilineal clans from Meghalaya, where the lineage is from the mother’s clan line or kur but their importance is diminishing. Economic development has fuelled migration & the voices of dissent against Matriliny are getting louder. Given this scenario the documentary Are they better off, is an exposition of Matriliny in Meghalaya & it’s socio-political complexities,contextualized with the status of women, nationally. Three women HuldaKynta,52, Selinda Kharbuki, 29 & Jubelee Kharmujai, 23 reveal their customs & traditions as we journey to Shillong to celebrate Christmas in their Matrilineal homes.