Kandhamal Communal Violence 2008 Part - 3

Brochure of the film "From Hindu to Hindutva"

About the film :

I have traveled to the Kandhamal area several times (with and without camera) just after the anti-Christian communal violence in August 2008. I was surprised, how much hatred human hearts could be filled with in name of religion. Had the district administration as well as the police taken immediate steps the violence would not have prolonged for two months. Even after two years of violence the same hatred still exists. This is why this film should be an instrument to check such violence in the future.

Through a dialogue process of two tribal leaders of same Kondh clan I have tried to communicate the entire issues. This is why this film has no voice over.

Language of the film : Odia and Odia with English subtitle. Hindi subtitle is also available.

Duration : 45minutes

Film Review

The film has effectively caught the Kandhamal carnage in short but comprehensive, with greater amount of sensitivity and objectivity. Mr. Sarangi presents the whole event with the help of field interviews, the shots of burning of houses and churches and the pathetic condition of the refugee camps. ...... Film ends on a sad note, the reality of minorities in Orissa today is well depicted. Prof. Ram Puniyani, writer and columnist
The film typifies the daunting shadow cast by the subject on the cinematic expression. Consider his ( the Director's ) frame — the communal violence that racked Kandhamal district in Odisha exactly two years ago. Framed against this landscape, the title and the first few frames of Sarangi's film promise answers. .......The juxtaposition of interviews — of Hindus claiming that Christians burnt their own houses alongside that of hapless Christians outside temporary sheds they call home — evoke strong memories of a style mastered by Anand Patwardhan in In the Name of God. ..... From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 7, Issue 32, Dated August 14, 2010

"It has come out excellent. I really liked it and wanted to congratulate the Director Mr. Sarangi on this. Yes, I imagine nothing would have happened there as anywhere before." : Anand Teltumbde, writer.

It is a powerful film and hope through it people wake up to the realities of the region. ......Nandita Das, Actress




"It is a tragic story and one wonders what is the way out in such a politicised atmosphere where the poorest become the victims. Debaranjan's film gives us an insight into this situation. I will try and see how I can right about it one of these days." : Kalpana sharma, columnist.

"An important film to understand complexities of Kandhmal violence in Orissa. An integral part of Cinema of Resistance Film Festivals initiative in Northern India."
Sanjay Joshi, Convener, Gorakhpur Film Festival and THE GROUP (film group of Jan Sanskriti Manch)

Several people visited the festival with the sole purpose of seeing the film, and one them Rajinder Dash, a former administrator who has handled some of the worst communal conflicts in Bihar during his time, mentioned that the film clearly stated the complexity of the problem. The film should be shown in all the colleges of Bihar .....Discussion during Abhivyakti film festival, Patna.

This is a good documentary film. It speaks about the use of extremist Hindutva philosophy to divide the Dalits and Tribals of Kandhamal District, Orissa. The length was good and editing very professional. . ... International Research & Communications, AICC, Hyderabad

Your film has been a resource for all of us and it helped to have deeper understanding and required perspectives for our team on Peace building and conflict management. It would continue to help us. We have arranged to distribute the film, among our constituency. You are welcomed to visit CNI SBSS. Shailendra of Church of North of India

Important screening

Films of Resistance : Second film festival, Patna

Sanshristi, Bhubaneswar

Lohia academy, Bhubaneswar

Chandrasekhar Pathagar, PURI

Nainital Film festival (sept 25th-27th ) at Nainital

Patna Film Festiva (Dec 5-7, 2010) at Patna

Tribal Acamedy, Tejgarh, Gujurat (Prof. G.N. Davy)

Contact address:

DEBARANJAN SARANGI
A/202
SONALI APARTMENT
SAILASHRI VIHAR
BHUBANESWAR -- 751021, ORISSA
Email : debasar11@yahoo.co.in
Cell : 09437762272

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• violence
• anti-christian
• indigenous
• India
• Kandhamal
• Dalit
• Adivasi