DOCUMENTARIES AND DRAMAS—2009

19^th September 2009

Watched altogether 6 documentaries today in Kumari Cinema Hall ‘A’ and ‘B’ running on in Film South Asia 2009.

The first was “Delhi: Work in Progress” (38’) which talked about Commonwealth Games and renovation on preparation of Commonwealth Games. Delhi has construction works going on and for that they evicted the people living there. The Yamuna River was affected as a result of construction works as well. Trees were cut; 30,000 trees had already been cut for this purpose.  The city was on a way towards becoming a new New Delhi but it affected many lives for this reason. The local residents and the town planners’ arguments went on. It dealt with urbanisation or Indianization.

The other was “People’s leader—last 72 days” (25’). It was about Benazir Bhutto’s last 72 days of her life, the climax, after she returned her home country. The love and admiration of people for her, the aftermaths of her arrival, the bomb blasts were depicted in the documentary. Despite the blasts, her speeches are even more powerful. She seemed to know her fate. As she continued on her path, her life ended in 3 shorts of gun. Was taken to the hospital and was declared a martyr to which thousands of people wept and lost their consciousness. Her arrival had cheered out lakhs of people and there were festivals. People revolted as a reaction to her murder. Her sister’s and father’s speeches proved powerful in the documentary and ended with it.

“The last rites” (17’) was of Bangladeshi shipwreck and although I did not understand it properly, I think it wanted to show how hard it becomes for people there once the ship is wrecked. The big heavy parts of ship all in the muddy shore need a lot of physical effort to place it in order. The film was without a subtitle and without any voice or sound. It was limited in visual pieces. Later in the interview with the director, she said she wanted to show the toughness she saw there and wanted the audience to feel it.

“The forgotten refugees” (45’) dealt with the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Their reality, coming to Nepal, their lives and psychology, emotions and their destination now to the US were presented in a nice manner. The director really seems to have done a lot of research, travelling Bhutan and Nepal frequently to collect the information. She also promised to make part II after their US visit on their lives there.

“Superman of Malegaon” (79’) was a full comedy differing from rest of the shows. It was about how films are remade in Malegaon, a part of India, for the local audience there. The obstacles they come across during shooting process, how they overcome them and enjoy after its completion were the highlighted parts in the film. It was a complete entertaining film. The laughter echoing throughout the hall was evidence of it.

The last was “Threadbare” (40’) that was based on the Muslims’ hardship in the western countries (Canada). After September 11, the western eyes had completely changed regarding the Asians, particularly Muslims. For this reason, the Khans casted were tortured with the fake accusations of becoming terrorists. They even lost their education and had to return to their native Asian lands. So, the movie was heart rendering and showed the westerner’s attitudes towards Asians.

The viewers of documentary have increased now. The tickets are sold and people seem to be short of tickets and looked puzzled. The audience of documentary and theatre seem different too compared to the mainstream moviegoers. The former seem disciplined, silent and intelligent which includes foreigners as well. Moreover, people seem to expect the live interview with directors after shows are over. It is really good news for media that such audience is increasing yearly and documentaries are in demand.

22^nd September 2009

“In search of the riyal” (86’) was a film by Kesang Tseten. Because of it being the only movie by a Nepali director, the tickets were outsold. So I took a chance of watching it the next morning. It dealt with migrant workers in the Gulf countries, their hardships there, their family here and so on.

Then in the Hall B, I watched “The way of the Road” (60’) which dealt with the Nepal-Tibet road in Rasuwa district. This was the film that made me sleep. It indeed covered a good issue but maybe due to the poor presentation, I fell asleep soon.

“Children of God” (89’) dealt with Pashupati and the lives of living and dying ones there. It also dealt with the ways children in aryaghat live and earn. This is a heart touching movie, one of the best ones I watched throughout the festival.

“Forever young” (78’) was about Shillong’s Lou Majaw performing on Bob Dylan’s birthday. He admired Dylan and celebrated his birthday with different concerts and Dylan’s songs. A man of 55, Majaw seems to have an unhappy personal life but had a son and is on the road to make others happy. 

After the documentary shows, award distribution was held which was very entertaining. The documentary about shipwreck won the first award and two others received second awards whereas “Superman of Malegaon”, which was the most talked about documentary, got a debut award.

Two plays

“Bade bhai shaab” was the first drama followed by “Bimaar”. Both of them were quite comic, directed by a young lady from India, Bharatee Mukharjee. The hall was full of audience. Though booked the tickets earlier, I got the leftover seat due to my late going.

The first drama focused on two brothers. The elder one who, despite his great effort, failed exams and remained on the same grade for years and the younger one who passed exams despite his less effort. This is the main subject and the play revolves around it. The superior attitude of elder brother and his suppressions were nicely presented. Playing the kites and the game “kabardi” appear many times in the play. At the end, the elder brother expresses his emotions and gives up reading. Both of them enjoy playing at the end.

The next play “Bimaar” revolves around an ill person who 

had fever, coughs and sneezes. He is suggested by his various companions, one at a time, about the do’s and don’ts which differ greatly from one another. It is at this time the play takes a rather comic turn when he states he will get mad if any other person comes. Then comes his new neighbour who is the scapegoat. All of his anguishes and confusions are poured over the pitiable neighbour. It’s indeed a farcical play. An artistic and humorous depiction on what happens when a man believes everyone and tries to please all can be seen here.