In the summer of 2003 more than 200 documentary and short filmmakers from across India came together in a Campaign Against Censorship. Out of this solidarity came an act of resistance, Vikalp – Films for Freedom, an alternative festival of documentary films organized by filmmakers in Feb 2004 in Mumbai, and which has now spun off in many directions. Delhi Film Archive (DFA) has come out of this process, as an autonomous platform that supports free expression and fearless listening. 3 Screens has been organized at the India Social Forum, New Delhi, in the belief that censorship violates the essential rights of citizens, and since public opinion is an important part of our struggle, we believe it is essential to energise it through discussion, publication, and above all, a strong screening culture. DFA locates itself amongst the many struggles against censorship that have been bravely (and quietly) waged around us for so many years, and which continue to be fought all around us. We are aware that the best way to guard our rights as citizens is to speak clearly, speak honestly and speak from all corners of the country, and the world. 3 DFA is an archive of documentary films, as well as of materials that stimulate a collective response to censorship and the control of ideas. It is involved in promoting the dissemination of documentary and short films, and creating a screening culture where open access and the diversity of ideas and images is celebrated. It is also involved in raising awareness on the ways in which the censorship regime is used to contain the right to freedom of expression. DFA seeks to intervene in this situation by generating discussion on the politics and aesthetics of filmmaking. It is voluntarily run by filmmakers with the support of all those who believe in free speech, and is independent of any state body or institutional funding. CONTACT us: [email protected] visit our WEBSITE and archive of films: www.delhifilmarchive.org sign up for a MAILING LIST of events at: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/delhifilmarchive read our BLOG: http://delhifilmarchive.blogspot.com 4 The festival features four sections: New Images – 35 recent films by Indian filmmakers (and a few International films that are about Indians). Other Worlds Are Breathing – 22 films shown at World Social Forum, Brazil 2005. Working Lives – 22 films in an international package of films on Labour in the time of globalisation Director’s Cut – 10 films by invited Indian documentary filmmakers, who also show a film each of their choice 3 screens. 3 days. 99 films. 5 new images new images new 3 Men and a Bulb DIR: PANKAJ RISHI KUMAR 74 MIN / 2006 / HINDI (ENGLISH SUBTITLES) This is a story of 3 men who earn a livelihood from their gharat (watermill) in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal, India. The life led by these men is meager, having access neither to electricity, nor employment that brings regular income. Farming is very arduous, as supply of water is scarce. It is the story of Rawat, Satya and young Harish. The three men’s personal hopes, Pankaj graduated from FTII in 1992 where anxieties and dreams is set against the rustic life in the mountains. he specialised in Film Editing. His first The narrative traverses their changing relationship with self and each other, documentary, ‘Kumar Talkies’, was an offering exciting insights into human nature. examination of the consciousness-shaping role of a local cinema theatre. The film was screened at 40 festivals and won Best Film, prod: Pankaj Rishi Kumar, T Madhavi. editors: Pankaj Rishi Kumar, Shreyas Beltangdy (Associate). L’alternative Barcelona; Special Jury at sound: Narendra Mishra, Pankaj Rishi Kumar, Pritam Das. music: Sourav Kumar. camera: Pankaj Rishi Kumar. Zanzibar and Indian National award for Best Sound. His other films are ‘Pather Chujaeri’, ’The Vote’ and ‘Gharat’. He was an Asia Society fellow at Harvard University in 2003. He is currently working on a documentary on women boxers in India. [email protected] 8 images 1000 Days and a Dream DIR: P BABURAJ, C SARATCHANDRAN 77 MIN / 2006 / MALAYALAM AND ENGLISH The film ‘1000 Days & A Dream’ documents the poignant moments in the four and a half years of anti Coca-Cola struggle in Plachimada, Kerala. The film captures the spirit of the anti Coca-Cola struggle, traces the history of the struggle and discusses the several issues raised by it. The film shares the dreams and sorrows of some of it’s active participants. directed by: P Baburaj & C Saratchandran. edited by: Ajithkumar B & C Saratchandran. camera: Ajith, Sarat & Joji. P Baburaj and C Saratchandran have been music: Chandran V. narration: Nilanjana Biswas. associated with Alternative Communications Forum (ALCOM), a filmmakers’ collective involved in producing videos and films on various issues. Their Chaliyar… The Final Struggle, received a Special Mention in the MIFF 2000 and a Bronze Tree Award in Vatavaran 2002.. Their other films include Kanavu (Dream), ‘The Bitter Drink’ and ‘Only An Axe Away’. [email protected] 9 new AFSPA, 1958 DIR: HAOBAM PABAN KUMAR 77 MIN / 2006 / ENGLISH / MANIPURI Th. Manorama Devi a 32-year-old lady was picked by the forces of the 17th Assam Rifles from her home on 11th July, 2004 issuing an arrest-memo. Her dead body was later found near a hillock under suspicious circumstances. People largely believe that she was raped and later shot. People throughout the state started holding protest and agitations against the excesses of the security forces and Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958. This film is a diary of events, which took place in Manipur from the day Th. Manorama Devi died, till a youth dies setting himself on fire in protest against the AFSPA, 1958. Haobam Paban Kumar has worked as an assistant with the noted Manipuri director prod: Haobam Paban Kumar, Bachaspatimayum Sunzu. camera: Saikhom Ratan. editor: Sankha. Aribam Syam Sharma from 1996-2002, in making documentaries & feature films. A Bsc from Mysore University, Karnataka, he also has PG Diploma in Direction & Screen playwriting, 2005 from the SRFTI, Kolkata. His films include ‘Orchids And Manipur’ and ‘A Cry in the Dark’ [email protected] 10 images Amerika Amerika DIR: K P SASI 4 MIN 30 SEC / ENGLISH, TAMIL K.P.Sasi started as a cartoonist during the seventies and began making documentaries Based on Kamaan Singh Dhami’s anti-war song ‘American War Paar Da! in the early eighties. His notable (Check Out the American War!)’, the music video is a satirical but severe documentaries include Living in Fear, In the indictment of America’s role in escalating world conflict. Originally written Name of Medicine, We Who Make History, following the post 9/11 bombing of Afghanistan by the USA, and developed to A Valley Refuses to Die, The Wings of Kokkrebellur and Redefining Peace. These address the occupation of Iraq, the song comments on various aspects of the films are used by various activist groups to American empire – its stockpile of nuclear bombs, its cozy relations with strengthen struggles. Sasi’s feature films fanatical and dictatorial regimes, and in fact, the very notion of American peace include Ilayum Mullum, Ek Alag Mausam and Shh…Silence Please. His awards and liberty. The song is set to the tune of the popular Sinhalese song include the Best Film Award at the ‘Surangini’ and has English lyrics and a catchy chorus in Tamil. Dancing International Rural Film Festival , France, sometimes on Bush’s shoulder, sometimes on the roof of Washington’s White the Special Jury Prize at the International House, and sometimes in a colourful parade of children protesting against war, Environment Film Festival, Turkey, Bronze Award at Global Video Festival, dancer Malavika Tara Mohanan embodies the indomitable spirit of resistance Copenhagen, Best Film Award at Enfest and and satire. B Jayashree, Bangalore’s well-known theatre director and playback Best Film and Best Director awards at the singer, has sung the song, while activist and singer, Sumathi, has been part of Swaralaya International Film Festival. the conceptualization and music production. [email protected] 11 new Bare DIR: SANTANA ISSAR 11 MIN / 2006 / ENGLISH A daughters’ search to find meaning, if any, in her relationship with her alcoholic father. In the piecing together of home videos shot by her parents nearly two decades earlier; and through a string of conversations with her father, mother, and sister; a daughter looks to understand the impact of her father’s alcoholism on each of their lives. The sister’s refusal to include him in her life; the mother’s belief that her daughters should reach out to their father despite her own refusal to see him; the father’s moment of honest introspection. In talking to them, the questions she is struggling with come to the fore: should she stand behind him, drawing only on her memories of what a wonderful father he was? Or should she move on… and build her life without him? Santana graduated in Economics from St Stephen’s College in 2005. Thereafter editors: Santana Issar, Pankaj Rishi Kumar. sound: Pritam Das. she has worked for a news channel and as assistant director on a few corporate films. This is her first documentary film. [email protected] 12 images Bhal Khabar Good News DIR: ALTAF MAZID 17 MIN 21 SEC / 2005 / ASSAMESE (ENGLISH SUBTITLES) A writer looks for a bit of good news in the days of the Assam Movement (1979-85), when the youth had sunk to the lowest depths of degradation, and Altaf is a critic turned filmmaker. civilized emotions seemed to be wiped completely out of existence.