Music and poetry, dance and documentary are embraced by contemporary Indian artists in these reflections on modern Indian identity. Works explore questions of cinematic representation and the many facets of Indian identity. Films move from encounters with the transsexual ritual of Kali worship, a poetic depiction of life in a modern metropolis, to an exposé of hidden urban gay life and a dreamlike depiction of childhood memories. These works reflect the exuberance and diversity of modern Indian life, bringing to light many underrepresented areas. Presenting a challenge to the homogenisation of Indian identity, these works are simultaneously enigmatic and revelatory. The programme includes work by Ashish Avikunthak, Riyad Wadia, Ashim Ahluwalia and Amit Dutta.
Films
- Kalighat Fetish
Director Ashish Avikunthak; India; 1999; 22min; Colour
This film explores the duality associated with the ceremonial veneration of the Mother Goddess Kali. It explores the trans-sexuality inherent in male devotees cross dressing as Kali for the ceremonial performance. This is interwoven with grotesque elements of a sacrificial ceremony, which forms a vital part of the worship of the Goddess. Winner of Best Documentary at Tampere Film Festival 2001
Please note: The film contains some scenes of animal sacrifice.
- A Short Season
Ashim Ahluwalia; India; 1995; 30min; B&W
A Short Season is a portrait of an 87 year-old man and the city in which he lives. The camera moves out from the protagonist’s apartment out into the sprawling city and the buzz on the streets at night. We see children return from a fun fair, couples wandering in the shadows, old buildings demolished to make way for skyscrapers. The city moves on without him.
- XYZ / Kshya Tra Gya
Amit Dutta; India; 2004; 22min; Colour
A boy (who is also an old man) tries to tell a story. The first part deals with the ritual of a boy going to school, and the second part deals with the storybook. With a rhythmic structure, this abstract narrative tale is told using in-camera special effects and mythological references to Indian narrative traditions.
- BOMgAY
Riyad Wadia; India; 1996 12min Colour
Referred to as “India’s first gay film”, ‘BOMgAY’ brings to life the acerbic poetry of the late R. Raj Rao, and challenges the oppressive and archaic posture of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalises homosexuality.
Text taken from the ICO website.