THIRSSUR: The members of the Orissa Development Action Forum(ODAF) of Orissa, mostly tribal people, came to the ViBGYOR International Film Festival, which concluded in Thrissur on Sunday, with the movies made by them. For them, the camera is a weapon to fight for their rights. A team of 19 interacted with the audience as a part of the screening of their films.
They made the films after attending a workshop, held at the Denkanal district of Orissa, led by famous activist-cum-filmmakers like K P Sasi, Meghnath, the late C Saratchandran and Biju Toppo in March 2009. It was a 15-day film festival in which 22 people, 19 men and 3 women participated. At the workshop the tribal people learnt the basics of filmmaking, including the use of camera, editing etc. They were divided into groups and asked to make a movie on a topic of their choice. They chose the subjects which are directly related to their lives. They have made a total of seven movies, on themes including the Kandhamal communal violence, the protest against the POSCO project, an ancient tribal language called ‘Ho’, etc.
Subhashini Torovei, belonging to the Sora Adivasi community, made a film on the hardships being faced by the Adivasi women. Subhashini says the Adivasi women in her place are working throughout the day to make both ends meet. They also do the works which are usually done by men. Subhashini too is not free from this. When asked if she plans to make more movies in the future, she says she has to find time after finishing the household chores to think about movies.
“With this venture, we have not only learnt the art of movie-making but also to use computers and to talk in Hindi and English,” says Siddharth, a member. After making films, they formed an organisation called ‘People’s Television Network, to show their movies. They travelled to many villages in Orissa, including those which do not have electricity, to show their films. They say the response of the audience was all-inspiring.
Their movies have also been uploaded on Youtube. “We also got good support from the viewers, who watched our movies on the internet. They have also expressed their support to solve our problems,” says Siddharth.
They are planning to make more movies and conduct a film festival in Orissa.
