Extreme weather variations, depleting ground water, disappearing fauna—these, and more, give us a glimpse of gradual environmental changes. Climate literacy, therefore, becomes pertinent to assess such information, and what better medium than films to spread eco-awareness? To mark the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), Kriti Film Club—one of the oldest film screening groups in Delhi is organising the 14th edition of ‘Eco Reels’.
This two-day film festival inaugurated at India Habitat Centre today attempts to draw attention towards environmental issues. Throwing light upon the importance of this festival, Aanchal Kapur, founder of Kriti Club, said, “‘Eco Reels’ connects people with the idea of environmental conservation. We hope it will give people a chance to connect with the environment and themselves.”
Taking note ‘on screen’
This year’s World Environment Day theme is ‘Only One Earth’—it highlights sustainable living and the importance of co-existence between species. Inspired by the theme, the Club has decided to screen two documentaries that chronicle the lives of India’s rural communities and their relationship with nature. Kapur added, “These films are made by young filmmakers; the next generation of storytellers.”
Director Abhishek Udaykumar’s Garo Hills Ni A’chik Songrang (Villages of Garo Hills)—screening today—is about the lives of three farmers across different regions of the Garo Hills. It explores their livelihood, relationships, and aspirations. “There is no narration or music in the film, the way people are accustomed to. It is shot in real time, with intimate scenes.
It creates awareness about their [the farmers] lives as is. It doesn’t make them look like the other,” explained the Bengaluru-based filmmaker. Moving Upstream: Ganga by directors Shridhar Sudhir and Siddharth Agarwal—it will be screened tomorrow—focuses on the idea of walking and amplifies the voices of under-represented people. “It brings forward narratives of rural communities, narrated by them,” shared Agarwal.
These screenings will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers. The venue will also host a small haat featuring eco-friendly products for sale.
Cinema that matters
Independent film festivals like ‘Eco Reels’ play an important role in transforming people’s perspectives, provide a platform to indie films and documentaries, and gives space to emerging filmmakers. “Such film is not developed by funders; it is a narrative that organically developed,” shared Agarwal. “For a film like this to be known, film festivals are crucial,” concluded Udaykumar.
CHECK IT OUT
WHAT: ‘Eco Reels’
WHEN: Today and tomorrow; 6:30pm
WHERE: Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road