From Delhi’s natural landscape to the lives of people who survive by doing mundane jobs, Indian heritage and its various aspects have been documented by students of 34-odd schools from across the city in the form of short films that are being screened at a children’s film festival in the capital. The 9th edition of ‘Filmlt’ organised by INTACH Delhi has roped in students who define Indian culture and heritage in their own way by capturing some of the most neglected professions in their camera.
NAME OF THE MOVIE: Kaan Mailia
DURATION OF THE MOVIE: 2.5 minutes
Made by: Disha Bharti, class VII; Sharav, class VIII; Radhika, class VII; DPS, Sec 45, Gurgaon
Q Tell us about the movie you have made?
The movie is based on a person who cleans ears for a living. When we spoke to him, he told us about his hardships and how he has to struggle to eke out a living. Sometimes, he gets customers easily, but quite often it’s a challenge to make ends meet.
Q What is the inspiration behind the movie you came up with?
Initially we had conducted some research on unique professions in India. We came to know that there were only a handful of ear cleaners in the country. Ear cleaning is becoming a dying job. We thought, why not tell the world about their work? This was our way doing something to save this heritage profession.
Q Is this the only movie you have made?
No. We have also made a movie on the flight of the crow.
Q How much help did INTACH provide with the documentary you have made?
They held a workshop in which they shared their expertise. They told us about editing, shooting, lights and how to hold the camera.
NAME OF THE MOVIE: Banyan Tree
DURATION OF THE MOVIE: 2.5 minutes
Made by: Gautam Goyal, Aditya Shiv Talwar, class IX; Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
Q Can you tell us about the movie you have made?
Our movie revolves around the banyan tree. The tree itself has traditional values in our society. Many don’t know it, but the banyan tree is India’s national tree. Our school has a banyan tree in its emblem. We wanted to tell youngsters — for that matter, everyone — why this tree is useful and important.
Q How did you come up with the idea of making a film on the tree?
The idea came instantly. When we were thinking of a topic that would lend itself to Indian heritage, the unanimous choice was the banyan tree. This tree has been at the centre of our school premises for more than 100 years. It binds the
school together. We sit around it, discussing ideas, having our lunch under its shade.
Q What have you learnt from this entire experience?
There were facts about the banyan tree that we don’t know – like how it grows, spreads rapidly. Tree expert Beeba Sobti (below) told us how we should conserve the tree and also briefed us on the importance of the banyan tree to India.
NAME OF THE MOVIE: Guddi Ki Udaan (Flight of a kite)
DURATION OF THE MOVIE: 2 minutes
Made by: Anant Gupta, Sanya Kathuria, class VIII; Modern School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
Q Tell us about the movie you have made?
It is based on the journey of a kite. Through the medium of the film we wanted to tell our viewers how a kite is made, right from paper cutting to the final production.
Q Why did you name your movie ‘Guddi ki Udaan’?
We, as a team, were struggling to get the right name for our film. It was then that Anant’s mother came up with the name Guddi. Since, it was catchy and would appeal immediately to kids, we went ahead with it.
Q Any lessons learnt while making the movie?
There are so many topics one can choose from while making a movie on nature. You only need to step out and look around. The kite is a simple instrument but it eventually taught us the importance of trivial things around us. Learn to respect the little things around you.
Q Is this the only movie you have made?
Any plans for the future? We have made two movies earlier. One was on the art of Indian traditions and the other one was with a group of six students in our school.
Q How did INTACH help you in making this movie?
They held many workshops which helped us with the nitty gritty of learning the technicalities of making a movie. I learnt how to capture stills, converting them to videos, reels and putting everything together.
NAME OF THE MOVIE: Chhota Joota, Bada Joota
DURATION OF THE MOVIE 2 minutes
Made by: Tulsi, Sneha Verma, class IV; MCD primary school, Nangloi
Q What is your film about?
We were playing on the grounds, when our teacher came to us and said, ‘why don’t you make a movie on what you are doing?’ We were basically playing a game on big and small shoes. The idea struck and we made the movie.
Q Tell us about the entire experience.
It was really exciting. We took a camera from our teacher – she helped us with the shooting too. Right from the smallest intricacies to how we should hold a camera, she taught us everything. Later she would use her laptop and do the editing for us.