The Cineaste International Film Festival of India (CIFFI), a collaborative initiative by Delhi Metropolitan Education (DME), India, and Deakin University, Australia, introduced a powerful new section titled "Resilient Realms: Journeys through Dalit and Tribal Lives" on 9th February 2024. Curated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore, an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, China, and Honorary Fellow at Deakin University, Australia, this section aimed to bring the stories of Dalit and Tribal communities in India to the forefront of global cinema.
A Dedicated Focus on Marginalised Narratives
"Resilient Realms" is a curated collection of films that sheds light on the experiences, struggles, and resilience of Dalit and Tribal communities, whose stories have often been overshadowed by mainstream cinema. The curated section was screened on 8th February 2024 and featured four impactful films, followed by a roundtable session with eminent panellists who have significantly contributed to social justice and cultural discourse.
Dr. Vikrant Kishore, the curator of the section, explained the vision behind "Resilient Realms": "Our goal is to elevate voices that have been historically silenced and offer a platform for these narratives to be heard and acknowledged. This section is more than just a film screening; it's a call for greater understanding, empathy, and appreciation of the complexities faced by Dalit and Tribal communities in India."
Film Screening Schedule and Highlights
The film screening session, held from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, featured four films that explored different facets of the Dalit and Adivasi experience:
"Cycle" (19:58 minutes) directed by Debasish Makhija - A multilingual short film shot on a phone camera as found footage, filmed in three uninterrupted long takes. It portrays the story of a wronged young tribal woman who turns to rebellion in the absence of systemic justice, struggling with the demands of retribution.
"Naachi Se Baachi" (71 minutes) directed by Biju Toppo and Meghnath - A documentary on the life and works of Padmashri Dr. Ram Dayal Munda, a leading intellectual who contributed significantly to the Jharkhand movement and represented Adivasi voices at the United Nations.
"Chaityabhumi" (67 minutes) directed by Somnath Waghmare - A musical documentary highlighting the cultural and political significance of Chaityabhumi, the site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s last rites were performed, and its impact on the Dalit community's identity and empowerment.
"Chandrudu" (14:45 minutes) directed by John Sreedar - A short film that depicts caste discrimination in India before the 2000s through the story of a father and son from a low social background and their aspirations to break free from societal constraints.
Each film was carefully selected to showcase the strength, resilience, and diverse narratives of Dalit and Adivasi communities, encouraging viewers to engage with these stories deeply.
Roundtable Session: Engaging with Experts on Dalit and Tribal Lives
Following the film screening, a roundtable session titled "Resilient Realms: Journeys through Dalit and Tribal Lives" was held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, moderated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore. The session featured distinguished panellists who brought unique perspectives on the issues facing Dalit and Tribal communities:
Dr. Ratan Lal, Associate Professor at Hindu College, Delhi University, an author and social media influencer known for his work on caste and minority issues.
Somnath Waghmare, a documentary filmmaker from Maharashtra whose work focuses on the cultural politics of marginalised communities.
Dr. Prashant Negi, Assistant Professor at the Dr. K. R. Narayanan Centre for Dalit and Minorities Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Editor of the Journal of Dalit Studies.
The roundtable provided a platform for an in-depth discussion on the importance of representation, the role of cinema in social change, and the challenges faced by filmmakers and storytellers working within marginalised communities.
Profiles of Panellists
Dr. Ratan Lal is renowned for his scholarly contributions and active engagement on social media platforms like Twitter and his channel ‘AmbedkarNama,’ where he addresses caste and minority issues. Despite facing significant challenges as a Dalit academic, his dedication to teaching and addressing social inequalities remains unwavering.
Somnath Waghmare has gained international acclaim for his documentaries, such as ‘I am Not a Witch’ and ‘The Battle of Bhima Koregaon: An Unending Journey.’ His latest work, ‘Chaityabhumi,’ reflects his commitment to documenting and advocating for the rights and histories of marginalised communities.
Dr. Prashant Negi holds a Baden Wurttemberg Professorial Fellowship from Heidelberg University and serves as Managing Trustee of the Centre for Development Studies in Shimla. He is deeply involved in academic publishing and discourse on Dalit and minority issues.
Curator’s Statement
Dr. Vikrant Kishore provided insights into his curation of the "Resilient Realms" section, stating: "Each film selected for this section addresses a different aspect of the Dalit and Adivasi experience in India, from struggles for justice and identity to the fight against systemic oppression. Our aim is to create a space for these voices to be heard, recognised, and appreciated for their depth, resilience, and the important stories they tell."
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