This film is part of Free
Shakti
An Asian woman engages her inner goddess to create a stunning oasis in a grey tower block.
Overview
A rhythmic beat punctuates a solitary Asian woman’s life as she engages her inner goddess to turn trash into treasure. She creates a stunning oasis in a grey tower block, challenging daily life on the estate, and is confronted by a hostile resident. Played by real life artist and activist Sheba Chhachhi, this solitary figure reveals her inner conflicts through her recycled artworks, which becomes a metaphor for radical self-renewal.
Why is she living on her own? Is she a divorcee or a widow? Where did she learn these skills and does she even eat? The tiny council flat is transformed into a gallery for her personal journey. Her inner peace and conflicts, played out through the canvas of her present life and a past that is only glimpsed at in the many artefacts within this most private of spaces.
Related
Once upon a Line Once upon a Line
Documentary 1947 10 mins
Model husbands prove that size isn't everything as they get steamed up over Lilliput locomotives
English Victory at Wimbledon English Victory at Wimbledon
Non-Fiction 1926 2 mins Silent Location: Wimbledon
Action from the 1926 Wimbledon Ladies' Singles final between Kitty Godfree and Lilí de Álvarez.
The Queen in Suffolk The Queen in Suffolk
Sponsored film 1977 19 mins Location: Ipswich
Flag-waving and fanfare in the warm July sunshine for the Silver Jubilee visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Ipswich and Felixstowe.
Wimbledon's Jubilee Wimbledon's Jubilee
Non-Fiction 1926 2 mins Silent
In June 1926 King George V and Queen Mary lead the celebrations for Wimbledon’s 50th jubilee.
Ashford in the Water Well Dressing Ashford in the Water Well Dressing
Amateur film 1963 26 mins Location: Ashford in the Water
Attention to detail, dedication and an artist's touch are needed to create the designs made from seeds and petals that go on to adorn the wells of Derbyshire.
Winning Wimbledon Winning Wimbledon
Sport 1955 13 mins
Highlights from the conclusion of the men’s and women’s singles at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships 1955
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.