Reel Tribe-ulations

“During the day-long festival,films from Maharashtra,the Films Division and the Government of Orissa will be showcased. These need to be exposed because of the harshness of the situation that the tribals live in,and continue to battle with no aid whatsoever,” says Kundalik. Some of the films to be showcased include Anand Kasbe’s Andhakar,Mankirdia by the Government of Orissa,which is based on the Birhor tribes,and Ravi Sharma’s Loam-Ek Jamaat,among others.

Kundalik says their problems also range from exploitation to economic deprivation. “Take the case of Andhakar. It talks about the problems of tribal people in Yavatmal. Teenage girls lured with the promise of marriage are sexually assaulted time and again. And this results in unmarried teen mothers with virtually no means to sustain themselves. The film details one such true story,” he says.

But he adds that the films are not just about the problems of the people living there. “They have little joys too,such as playing with animals and small toys that are also a representation of their culture. The manner in which they depend on forests,animals and neighbouring areas for survival provides a deep insight into their lives. Good,bad or ugly — it is about showcasing their stories. In fact,while working on the project,the filmmakers have to work with sensitivity because the stories are as unique as the culture of the tribals,” he says.

Highlighting the importance of the cultures of these tribes,he adds that there are 45 nomadic tribes in Maharashtra,which speak 74 languages. “They have different dialects,religions and rituals and all of this needs to be highlighted. In fact,even their problems are unique to the ecosystems they inhibit,” adds Kundalik.

The festival will be held today at NFAI,from 2.30 pm to 5.30pm.