'Rivaaz' selected for New York film festival

"Rivaaz", a controversial film about human trafficking, child slavery and prostitution, has been selected for the New York Film & Video Festival.

The film, directed by Ashok Kumar Nanda, will be premiered at the festival July 22.

Its cast includes Deepti Naval, ramp-model-turned actress Ritisha Vijayvargiya, Meghna Naidu, Sadhika Randhawa and Vijay Raaz.

According to the film's website, "Rivaaz", which means tradition, is a film against exploitation and about dignity and hope for women.

It says that family-based prostitution exists in many parts of India, yet the law and order system does not consider it a major issue.

"Twelve-year-old girls are forced into prostitution, driven by economic needs of their families and the pressure of religious legend."

Indo-Asian News Service