Indian Panorama of IFFI, 2010

Two ecstatic documentaries from N-E

Of the various sections of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the country’s biggest annual film bonanza which is held at the lively and charming city of Panaji in Goa every year, the Indian Panorama section bears special significance because the films selected in this very package depict the overall aesthetic quality of the very contemporary Indian cinema. This is the main reason for which this package always becomes the centre of attraction for the foreign delegates and critics visiting IFFI sessions. Moreover, the films of this package will be the official entries from India in any film festival in the world during the year 2010-2011.

This time, the IFFI, 2010, will take place from November 22 to December 3 and the Indian Panorama package comprises 26 feature films of various Indian languages and 19 documentaries and short-feature films produced in the country. The standing of the North East in this package is contrasting. While there is not a single film from the North-East selected, it is indeed a matter of great pride for the region that in all five documentaries five found place in the package. Besides this, H Paban Kumar of Manipur has earned the rare distinction of having two of his documentaries in the package. One is his very controversial and also widely acclaimed AFSPA 1955 which fetched him the National Award for the Best Documentary in 2008 and his latest Mr. India which was already screened at the Mumbai International Film Festival, 2010, as an official entry.

MR. INDIA

The 44-minute sensitive documentary, Mr. India, deals with the courageous and heroic life of Kh. Pradip Kumar who has set a rare example of excelling in the sport of body building despite being declared HIV positive. Defying doctors who had warned him against the rigors of body building, Pradip joined a gymnasium. Nine years down the line, Pradip has several achievements to his credit, including the ‘Mr. Manipur’ title in 2007. Now, his next target is the ‘Mr. India’ title. This is indeed a story about a man who is an inspiration for thousands of people living with HIV in his home state of Manipur and different places of India and abroad.

Director Paban, an alumini of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute Kolkata, in an intelligent and innovative manner, has inserted the background of the protagonist—the days of his frustration when he was detected HIV positive. “I was too young when I committed the mistake of taking drugs and sharing a syringe. But should you let one mistake spoil your entire life? I didn’t want to,” says Pradip in a passionate interview in the film.

Director Paban Kumar has something personal behind the making of this film. “In the course of shooting this film, my dad expired. He was an alcoholic. What started as an important subject for a film became a reality for me as I myself started feeling the importance of people like Pradip in our society. I still feel my dad could have lived longer if he had met Pradip or could have known a little bit about him. Today my aim is to take this film to as many people as possible. Life is too short and beautiful. Let’s enjoy and celebrate life,” says Paban Kumar in reply to our question regarding his basic motive of taking up this subject.

SHESH ASHA

Another enchanting documentary in the package from North-East is a talent from Assam, Dip Bhuyan’s 24-minute powerful cinematic piece, Shesh Asha (The Last Hope), which deals with the committed efforts of forest guards to save wildlife during floods. The film was an official entry at the Mumbai International Film Festival, 2010.

Having established the backdrop and the geographical identity of the Park and its wildlife stock with a series of meaningful and picturesque shots, director Bhuyan provides some basic information through articulate, well-written background narration. The director then goes on to address the main issue that the film deals with, namely the plight of the wildlife during the monsoon season when the entire Park area gets submerged by flood water.

In this context, the director also brings in the flood scene causing deep trouble to the wildlife species of the Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary, a significant rhino habitat (84 rhinos in just 38 sq. kms) situated close to the city of Guwahati.

The National Highway that passes along the southern boundary of the Park also becomes a death trap for the animals because most of them get rammed by the vehicles while crossing the road. The director projects this trauma with excellent visuals.

The film finally focuses on the dedicated and tireless efforts of the forest guards to protect wildlife especially in Kaziranga with authentic visuals of the forest guards busy around the clock during the flood depicting their commitment and dedication.

Similarly, another series of visuals projecting the untiring service by the workers at the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Centre in Bokakhat is also an added asset of the film. Director Bhuyan, who has done the research work and the cinematography of the film deserves praise for making such a heart-hitting cinematic piece.