As every denizen of Delhi knows,the city doesnt believe in doing anything quietly. So,London-based filmmaker Sergio Lopez Figueroa knew he had his task cut out when he set about tracing the Capitals history and heritage in a silent film. Titled Delhi City Symphony,the film has 25 children from Prayas,an NGO,and areas of Sangam Vihar handling the camerawork and editing,and will be screened at 6.15 pm at the India Habitat Centre today. Figueroa,43,says,In Germany,Italy and the UK,silent films are still a living entity but in India,commercial films have all but taken over other genres. I tried to project the spirit of Delhi,right from the 1930s to the present day,through a silent film. The subject of the 20-minute film isnt only the changing topography of Delhi and the increasing population but also the way in which local communities continue to interact with heritage sites. The film shows children playing at Tughlakabad Fort and marketplaces assuming a new character at night. It would be unheard of for boys to play at Windsor Castle and heritage forts in the UK, he says. Back home,Figueroas company Big Bang Lab composes music for films,and he brought his expertise to Delhi City Symphony. The music ranges from Indian classical to sounds made from balloons as we attempt to change perception, he says.
