I’m an Australian social researcher, writer and independent filmmaker with a focus on India.
I hold a PhD in social anthropology, and my research work is broadly situated in the sub-fields of medical anthropology, gender studies and religious studies. I currently hold a post-doctoral position in medical anthropology at Hamburg University, Germany.
My film and radio documentaries mostly focus on the inherent tensions of modernisation in India, across the spheres of culture, ritual, gender, the arts and self-expression. This includes my award-winning documentary film A Life Exposed: Robyn Beeche (2013). My documentary film Bride of Aravan, about the lives and rituals of transgender women in south India, will be released in late 2025.
I provide editing services for academics who seek a high level of English ‘polish’ in order to publish in academic journals. I have also worked as a communications advisor for major not-for-profit organisations and coordinated successful advocacy campaigns.
In my spare time, I manage a project that supports young women from disadvantaged village contexts in south India to undertake college education. I was formerly a director of Attitude Foundation, which seeks to change mainstream Australian attitudes towards people with disabilities through documentary TV series.
Awards:
Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award 2010 for academic research in India.
Various film awards for the film A Life Exposed: Robyn Beeche
Contact information
Lesley Branagan
email: lesley@lesleybranagan.com