Category: Nagari 2023
From St. Inez Creek to Goa’s stories of water systems
The short film, Avnati, tells the story of the degradation of the St. Inez Creek that flows through Panaji through the lives and memories of people around it. From an idyllic place where people recall floating paper boats, the water body is replete with sedimentation, untreated sewage and effluents, construction of hotels and so on. Its story is a microcosm of Goa’s rich network of water bodies that include the ancient khazan ecosystems and deserves to be seen and heard over and over again if the ecosystem has to be restored to its natural health.
by Nikeita Saraf and Jashvitha Dhagey I Question of Cities I Published on: Nov 18, 2024
Originating in the marshlands of Taleigao and fed by the Nagahali hills, the St Inez creek flows through the city of Panaji, tracing its geographies and drains into River Mandovi. This is not a surprise for those who are aware of Panaji’s history as a wetland before it was turned into Goa’s capital city. The creek plays a significant role in sustaining life such as draining out the water during heavy rains and bringing in the fish that sustains livelihoods.
Panaji, also known as Panjim, was possibly called Pancham Khali in which khali refers to the creeks in and around the city. The St. Inez passes through the areas of Camrabhat, Tamddi Mati Tonca, flowing behind the Military Hospital, Don Bosco School and the ESG complex. Snatches of this are seen in the documentary Avnati (Decline). which traces the decline of the creek and highlights the emotional connections of the people who live around it. Made by Kabir Naik and Kuhu Saha, the 8-minute film won the People’s Choice award in the Nagari competition last year held by the Charles Correa Foundation. Though focused on St. Inez creek, the film is a wake-up call about the wetlands across Goa.
Read the full article here From St. Inez Creek to Goa’s stories of water systems
Nagari 2023 | Award Ceremony: Panel Discussion
Martha Chen is a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Senior Advisor of the global network Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing. An experienced development practitioner and scholar, her area of specialisation is the working poor in the informal economy.
Dr. Chen received a PhD in South Asia Regional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania; and was awarded a Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Roy Wadia is a Regional Communications Chief at WHO/Europe. His key area of work is Public Health and Development Communications and Advocacy.
Avijit Mukul Kishore is a cinematographer and filmmaker based in Mumbai. Kishore studied history at Delhi University (1987-92) and worked as a broadcaster on state television Doordarshan (1987-91) and All India Radio (1990-92). He studied cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (1995) and works primarily in documentary films and interdisciplinary moving-image practices. His films as director include An Election Diary, Nostalgia for the Future, Squeeze Lime in Your Eye, Vertical City, Certified Universal and Snapshots from a Family Album. He is also involved in cinema pedagogy as a lecturer and curates film programmes for prominent national cultural institutions. He is one of the 4 mentors for the Nagari short film competition 2023.
Nondita Correa Mehrotra is an architect working in India and the United States. Correa Mehrotra is principal of RMA Architects, which has offices in Mumbai and Boston. She is also Director of the Charles Correa Foundation, based in Panaji, India, and had worked for over two decades with Charles Correa from 1990 to when he closed his office in 2012.
Nagari 2023 | Award Ceremony
Nagari 2023 | Winning Entries
Nagari Golden Bioscope
हसरतें बसरत (Hasratein Basrat)
Film by Shikher Pal
Mentored by Rajula Shah
Jury Citation:
“हसरतें बसरत” (Hasratein Basrat) stands out for its cinematic creativity, skillfully delving into the complexities of urban commons. Its thought-provoking storytelling navigates seamlessly through issues of waste, politics, and social equity, intertwining them with mythic threads of history. The film sheds light on the past’s significance in shaping the future, particularly evident in the rise and fall of the mound in Jajmau, Kanpur – the leather city of India.
With powerful characters and a satirical touch, the film immerses the audience in the lives of tannery workers living beside the infamous mound and the harsh realities they have to face. The film’s cinematic language, both lyrical and appealing, elevates its narrative, creating a compelling exploration of the past and the present.
Nagari Silver Bioscope
कार्य प्रगति पर है (A Work in Progress)
Film by Oshee Johri & Nipun Prabhakar
Mentored by Rajula Shah
Jury Citation:
“कार्य प्रगति पर है” (A Work in Progress) adeptly confronts a significant issue plaguing our country – construction waste, a formidable obstacle to our development. Its approach is subtle, never overtly forceful, delicately unfolding the narrative against the backdrop of Bhopal, where the city itself becomes a character in this compelling story. A striking irony unfolds as houses are dismantled only to give rise to new ones.
The film’s cyclical nature highlights the resilience of often-overlooked women builders reclaiming urban waste. While urging immediate action, the film instils hope through the endeavours of these citizens, transforming adversity into opportunity. The portrayal of people navigating a challenging situation and creating something meaningful resonates powerfully, ensuring that both the film and its theme have a lasting impact on the viewers.
Jury Commendation Award
Film by Ayush Ray & Ritam Sarkar
Mentored by Bina Paul
Jury Citation:
“Junk-e” shines a spotlight on individuals actively engaged in attending to the looming crisis of electronic waste management and its segregation in Marghat, Kolkata. Through a nuanced portrayal, the film artfully navigates the urban landscape, employing interviews and storytelling.
Junk-e’s ability to engage with its subject matter in a subtle yet impactful manner distinguishes it, making it a noteworthy exploration of the intersection between the city, electronic waste and the people engaged in its management. Through the exploration of e-waste management as a means of livelihood, the film successfully gives a voice to these individuals engaging with it daily, beautifully portraying their interactions.
People’s Choice Award
Film by Kabir Naik & Kuhu Saha
Mentored by Avijit Mukul Kishore
People from diverse backgrounds share a common connection with their city’s creek, collectively narrating its story. “अवनति (Avnati)” unveils the tragic decline of the St. Inez Creek in Panaji, Goa. Enriched by a compelling Konkani soundtrack, the film captures emotional ties between the city and the creek, exposing its degradation due to sedimentation, pollution, and neglect.The film also inspires hope through restoration initiatives, urging collective responsibility.
Nagari | Jury
Final Films
FUSED CITY
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In the city of Guwahati, a visual artist embarks on a unique journey, weaving together the discarded remnants of electronic waste with various inspirations from the city. The film captures the artist’s unconventional muse as he scours the urban landscape for discarded gadgets and electronics along with his experiences with different groups of people. As the artist navigates the bustling streets of Guwahati, the film explores the symbiotic relationship between urbanity, waste, and artistic innovation, offering a poignant reflection on the potential for beauty in the overlooked and the forgotten.
हसरतें बसरत (HASRATEIN BASRAT)
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In the city of Kanpur lies a suburb named Jajmau that lends fame to the city with its leather industry. Wrapped in the smell of a mixture of hazardous chemicals like chromium and arsenic- we find an ancient mound that has witnessed the wheels of time affect Jajmau in all its glory and downfall. There seems to be an ancient structure (some call it a fort) buried inside this huge mound in Jajmau. However, the history of the mound seems to be lost. But a folk-tale is borne by the people of Jajmau as this surreality of a fort buried inside a mound becomes part of their everyday life. With the constant threat of demolition haunting their everyday life, the qaramat of the famed local saint Hazrat Maqdoom Shah Ala offers solace in the face of adversity.
अवनति (AVNATI)
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People from diverse backgrounds share a common connection with their city’s creek, collectively narrating its story. “अवनति (Avnati),” unfolds the tragic decline of the St. Inez Creek in Panaji, Goa. With a compelling Konkani soundtrack, the film delves into the emotional ties binding the city and the creek. Through interviews and compelling visuals, it exposes the degradation caused by sedimentation, pollution, and neglect. Despite the creek facing formidable challenges, the film instils hope by showcasing the positive changes achievable through restoration initiatives. The film concludes with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the on the role of collective responsibility in preserving the environment and nurturing a brighter future for St. Inez Creek and beyond. Various individuals, each representing a unique background, contribute to this collective narrative, weaving a tapestry that vividly portrays the intricate relationship between the community and their cherished waterway.
FISH AND THE FRIEND
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In the humble place of Pamohi located in the city of Guwahati, Nisha – a spirited nine-year-old girl from a marginal background finds solace in caring for her beloved pet fish. She attends a unique school where plastic is accepted as fees and students are taught vocational skills, gardening, and the importance of recycling. However, a looming threat overshadows their efforts – a massive dumping ground that has grown into a mountain of plastic, just beyond their school. Desperate for a companion for her fish, Nisha discovers a narrow stream filled with hope on her route to school, but her joy is short-lived. The stream becomes a suffocating trap, engulfed in plastic waste, causing her newfound friend to vanish. Crushed by this loss, Nisha confides in Niha, who rallies their friends to form a determined team on a mission to find the fish and restore hope to their lives.
JUNK-E
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This film is an observational exploration of the crisis of electronic waste, more commonly known as e-waste, in Magrahat, located 45 kms south of Kolkata. This region has unfortunately become a growing hub for toxic waste generated from discarded electrical and electronic materials.
Amid the challenges and complexities, Magrahat stands as a poignant reminder of the intricate relationship between technology, society, and the environment, where e-waste is both a livelihood and a looming crisis. It encapsulates the paradox of progress and waste, while also showcasing the potential for grassroots initiatives to address this pressing global issue. Reflecting the broader global conversation about the environmental impact of consumer electronics, the film raises an important question about the life cycle of technology, from its creation to its eventual disposal, and the responsibility that both manufacturers and consumers bear in ensuring a more sustainable future.
गौरैया (SPARROW)
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“Gauraiya” is a poignant documentary that exposes the challenges faced by residents living near the Ghazipur dumpyard. The film highlights the contaminated water sources, poor waste management, and high levels of air pollution in the area, leading to health hazards and diseases. Through the story of a family with a child suffering from health complications, the film showcases the impact of these environmental factors on their lives. It serves as a call for action for improved waste management and sustainable development, urging viewers to consider the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues.
कार्य प्रगति पर है (A WORK IN PROGRESS)
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This film, set in the heart of India, Bhopal, traces the waste that flows from demolition sites in a fast-growing city. The Construction and Demolition waste is a major environmental hazard. The recycling plants installed by the government are only able to address 1% of the total waste generated in the country. Through this film, we get acquainted with the everyday practices of people residing in an informal settlement in the city, called Mandwa. We see how they beautifully reuse the C&D waste to build their homes, one brick and a few tiles at a time.
SAMAYADA HARIVU (FLOW OF TIME)
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“Samayada Harivu (Flow of Time)” delves into the lived experiences of Noor Mary and Prasad, inhabitants residing on opposite sides of the historic Begur Lake. The documentary observes the complexities surrounding the concept of reclamation and its relevance today. For Noor Mary, the lake is a way to practice sustainable agriculture, whereas for Prasad it is a means of recreation and a chance to stay connected with nature. The contrast between the two distinct voices and the communities they represent emerges.
The film paints a picture of the historical significance of the lake, emphasizing the daily interactions that defined lives then. However, shifting water and land usage patterns resulted in a diminished connection with the lake over time. As the documentary unfolds, it sheds light on recent community-driven efforts to reclaim the Begur Lake.
Through the voices of Noor Mary and Prasad, the film prompts viewers to reflect on the very essence of reclamation- raising essential questions about its true nature and the beneficiaries of such endeavors. The Begur Lake once meant a way of sustainable livelihood. Today it is a testament to an act of restoration.
RAAT KI JAGMAG
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The film looks at Manek Chowk, an urban space in the old city of Ahmedabad. Manek Chowk is known for its display of a vibrant food culture, which begins after sunset and transitions from the night’s darkness into the early morning hours. It captures the dynamic quality of the area that changes from a parking lot in the day time to a food market at night. The make-shift food vendors settle down every evening organically in the available space, reclaiming it.
The film showcases the everyday negotiations made in this space through physical bodies and objects within it. Capturing the narratives of various users of the chowk, it showcases the multiple ‘obstructions’ that become a part of its everyday life. Amidst the ephemeral romanticism lies the question of whose space and how it becomes irrelevant individually.
Nagari 2023 Mentors
Sanjiv Shah
Sanjiv Shah is a film editor, producer, and filmmaker engaged largely with documentaries dealing with social issues, and exploring forms of film. As a part of the exhibition The State of Housing (2018) in Mumbai, he directed a video looking at the housing crisis in India over the last 70 years.
Bina Paul
Bina Paul works mainly in Malayalam-language films. She has over fifty editing credits and has directed four documentaries. Her first editing work was in 1985 on Aravindan’s documentary The Seer Who Walks Alone and her first feature film work was on Abraham’s Amma Ariyan in 1986. Paul won her first National Film Award for Revathi’s Mitr, My Friend, which had an all-woman crew.
Avijit Mukul Kishore
Avijit Mukul Kishore is a filmmaker and cinematographer, working in documentary and interdisciplinary moving image practices. He’s involved in cinema pedagogy as a lecturer and curates film programmes for prominent national cultural institutions.
Rajula Shah
Rajula is a Poet, Filmmaker & Visual Artist. Her practice emerges through close collaboration with people,
their histories & environments exploring boundaries of fiction/non-fiction through New Media. Developing new strategies for the study & practice of Cinema in changing contexts is a concern with her.
Deepa Dhanraj
Deepa’s documentaries and writing that span a period of forty years, engage with questions related to women’s status, political participation and resistance. Her films have been screened and awarded at national and international film festivals, and she has also served on the Jury at National and International film festivals.
Nagari 2023
India’s rapid expansion has created, and been supported by, a complex series of infrastructural systems. The country’s burgeoning population, record of urbanisation and changing consumption patterns have created growing amounts of waste that demand our attention. There is a need to understand the complex processes involved in the waste we generate and how it has now infringed on the urban commons.
As the film competition continues to expand its exploration into the daily lives in urban India, Nagari 2023 will focus on Reclaiming the Urban Commons through the lens of waste management – its generation, management, disposal, treatment and the individual stories of people that are affected by it. The Nagari films aim to explore strategies and solutions to the various issues that are linked to the theme.
Reclaiming the Urban Commons
