A documentary screening and talk exploring disability, identity, self-image, and the experiences of being deaf and hard of hearing.

Behind the Ears, a documentary by filmmaker Namya Chadha, offers an intimate and conversational look at the lives of Janhavi Khemka and Lavannya Balakrishnan, two individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Through their personal narratives, the film follows Janhavi’s journey of self-discovery through her work and connections with others, alongside Lavannya’s experience of accepting her disability and redefining her identity.

As their stories unfold, the film examines how societal assumptions about disability shape the way individuals perceive themselves. It explores their evolving sense of identity beyond disability, bringing attention to experiences of self-acceptance, resilience, and growth. The documentary also follows the filmmaker’s own journey of connecting with Janhavi and Lavannya, opening up a wider reflection on self-image and the understanding of invisible disabilities.

Film Details

Director: Namya Chadha

Duration: 44 minutes 27 seconds

Language: English and Hindi

Captions: English (SDH)

Genre: Documentary, participatory, personal narrative

About the Filmmaker

Namya Chadha is a filmmaker, photographer, and artist based between Meerut and Delhi. She is pursuing a Master’s in Arts and Aesthetics at Jawaharlal Nehru University and holds a Bachelor’s in Design (Film and Video Communication) from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Her research-based practice explores disability narratives, identity, accessibility, language, and translation. Behind the Ears received the NID Ford Foundation Grant and has screened at several film festivals, including the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and the Chennai International Documentary and Short Film Festival.