Soul Survivors by anu malhotra

Anu Malhotra is one of India's top filmmakers, having won over 16 National and International awards. But for Anu, filmmaking is not just a profession, it is a passion- a passion with a cause - to create meaningful and uplifting television content.

“I have always sought to capture India’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant living traditions through my films. My mission is to document cultures that are fast disappearing and remind viewers of the importance of learning from and sustaining, their traditional wisdom.”

Today, we are in urgent need of spiritual sustenance. Our urban existence has slowly swallowed our ability to find happiness in simplicity, and we find ourselves on the brink of a moral and ecological implosion. Anu’s docu-work thus becomes especially pertinent to contemporary audiences and younger generations as she has the foresight that only great artists have, to find and focus on essence and capture on camera, worlds, that have practically disappeared from our maps and most importantly, worlds that can help us heal the damage caused by urban decay.

Anu is showcasing an exclusive exhibition of her captivating photographs, titled “Soul Survivors” which were taken over the course of her journeys across India.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

THE KONYAK OF NAGALAND

The mysterious and beautiful northeast hill region of

India

has been all but sealed off from the outside world. The state of Nagaland lies at the eastern extremity of the subcontinent.

Anu offers an experiential insight into the customary way of life of “The Konyak of Nagaland”, who were feared as headhunters not so long ago. This exceptional film, with its stunning visuals and informative narrative, presents images of possibly the last generation of “actual” headhunters.

Anu documents the Konyak living traditions of vibrant festivals, sacrifices, feasting and the sacred institutions of kingship and tribal council. She gives an insight into the unique qualities of the Konyak culture like the tradition of headhunting and the cult of fertility.

The highlight of the film is the Konyak annual spring festival, ‘Aoling’ with all its energy and colour. The Konyak actively re-enact their “glory” days with colourful rituals, headhunting dances, war chants, animal sacrifices and feasting, which are deeply reminiscent of their rich and vibrant past.

THE APATANI OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The Apatani of Arunachal Pradesh is an experiential exploration of, the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh by Anu Malhotra. This compelling film documents the unique qualities of Apatani culture and the intrinsic wisdom of their customary way of life.

This stunning film captivates with its amazing visuals and story telling narrative. Anu explores the Apatani belief system, giving an insight into shamanic divination and ritualistic sacrifice. She witnesses a traditional Apatani wedding, funeral and burial ceremonies and a Tribal Council, to uncover the incredible living traditions of this amazing community.

The Apatani of Arunachal Pradesh is an important film, for this ancient tribe is poised on the brink of huge transitions, as living traditions fade and new generations are more aligned with a pan Indian socio-cultural ethos.