FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2020 Understanding the works of independent filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar original look. Perhaps my approach to feature film is one big James Khangenbam reasons for my delay in feature film making. Haobam Paban Kumar, a young filmmaker from has been I started shooting ‘Loktak Lairembee’ in bits by 2014 and in the news for the last couple of years. His talents and unique 2015. While in 2016, I accomplished the task of completing approaches towards filmmaking has caught the attention of many the film shooting. filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers. The film got premiered at Busan International Film Festival I think every person has their own identity and beauty. in October, 2016 and was screened at the 67th Berlin Inter- Everyone being different is what is really beautiful. If we Loktak Lairembee (Lady of the ), a feature film based on gun culture shot at Loktak Lake was premiered at the 67 national Film Festival 2017 which is one of the top festivals were all the same, it would be boring. in the world. Tila Tequila th Berlin International Film Festival 2017 and the 21st Busan International Film Festival, 2016. The film also won a Special Q : How was your shooting days at Loktak Lake ? Mention – Cultural Diversity Award at the 11th Asia Pacific A : I shoot my film with a small crew. The shooting was Screen Awards, Brisbane 2017, Golden Gateway award 18th completed in about 11 days. We camped at the location. It CM to be taken into confidence ? Mumbai Film Festival 2016, National Film Award for Best saved time and help everyone to stay in focus. We also got Film on Environment/Conservation/ Preservation besides other more working hours being at the location. I personally got lots Idea of Manipur many other awards including NETPAC (Network for the of time to discuss with my assistants on a daily basis which So many things can be read into the promotion of Asian Cinema) award at 22nd Kolkata Interna- really helped in my film. purported plans of the Centre to consult tional Film Festival, 2016 and some prestigious awards. Q: Tell me more about the role of your technicians. Altogether the film won 16 awards. A: While you are directing you can’t think of everything. Chief Minister N Biren to know the position Obviously as a director you have to know everything. If you of Manipur on the ongoing peace process Phum Shang (Floating Life), a documentary film on Loktak Lake won the best investigative film at National Film Awards. Pic: Haobam Paban Kumar with cameraman Ranjan Palit want a tension free shooting you should choose a good tech- between New Delhi and the Naga armed nician-Cameraperson, Sound Recordists and Editor. groups. To many in Manipur what the 18th Mumbai Film Festival 2016, Best Medium Length Film for Phum Shang, 18 th International Environmental Film to represent at 64th Cannes International Film Festival. Problems however small or big will arise during film shoot Centre inks with the Naga National Politi- & Video Festival, Goias, Brazil 2016. Q: How did you make two films simultaneously at Loktak and you should rely on somebody who can solve the prob- cal Groups (NNPGs) will be of little import, The film also won the Golden Conch (Best Documentary) Lake ? lems efficiently. Actually, when I shoot Loktak Lairembee all for their demand does not go beyond the at the 14th Mumbai International Film Festival 2016 besides A: I went to Loktak lake for the Recce of my feature film the crew members were my close friends. They believe in boundary of . It is the final deal 6 other awards including some prestigious awards. with Rajesh Salam, an environmentalist and film activist. The what I was doing which is very important. with the NSCN (IM) that will be of utmost In this article, we try to find out how he went on to make particular floating village, we were looking for was found If I ask any cameraman to shoot my film and if he does importance to Manipur and this is where a documentary and feature film in a single location. We also missing. It gave me immense shock. I halted my feature film not understand my film, or believe in my style of film making the position of the people and the State try to find out what it takes to be a documentary filmmaker venture to work on addressing the issue by making a docu- it becomes very difficult. I always have the idea that the main will have to be spelt out clearly before and a fiction feature filmmaker. mentary film on the missing floating village. crew members should have a similar philosophy with me. One New Delhi. As a man who has been in the We are also sharing the experiential knowledge of Haobam That was how my documentary film Phum Shang was should give utmost importance while choosing crew members. public sphere even before he became a Paban Kumar as he keeps honing his skills through many shot. It is true that many things are compromised at the time Q : Do you shoot exactly what is written on the script or politician, having been the Editor of a knowledge and resource labs across the country and aboard. of development activity. But the way how the implementing does it evolve with time ? vernacular daily, Chief Minister N Biren may We also explore some of the aspects of film making in its agencies were carrying out the evacuation activities at Loktak A : Script always evolves. In Loktak Lairembee, even if we be said to be well placed in this respect. different hues. Lake was inspiring enough to make a film. For instance, the had a script in hand it evolved naturally according to the So many things may be read into the Haobam Paban Kumar holds responsible positions in vol- rightful candidate for compensation was deprived of the same situation. Even the name of the film was also changed from plans of the Centre to talk with the Chief untary film organizations in Manipur and serves as academic right at the time when I started rolling my camera. the original name of the short story. Minister before the final deal is inked and council member at film institute. His latest venture as a mentor My documentary film was like a recce to my feature film. After my experience with the fishing community, I wanted while this has been the demand of quite was at Asia Pacific Screen Lab, Brisbane 2019. I was fully convinced of the location to shoot my feature film to tell the story of Nongmei attuned to the fishing community. a large number of civil society organisa- He completed his diploma in direction and screenplay on gun culture. However, it took me three years to complete The script then evolved, developed and revolved around the tions, particularly COCOMI, the very stand writing from SRFTI (Satyajit Ray Film and Television Insti- my documentary film ‘Phumshang’. In three years, I estab- story of a fisherman. of New Delhi to consult the Chief Minister tute). So far, he has made 13 films as a scriptwriter, producer lished a good relation with the characters of my documentary In the initial stage, Nongmei was the story of a person of Manipur may be taken to mean that the and director. film who actually acted in my feature film. suffering from Nyctophobia (extreme fear of night or dark- State may be affected when the final deal Q: How did you find yourself making Documentary and Having exposed to camera for almost three years, the ness) who changed his character after acquiring a gun. It has is signed. If it is affected, then what Feature films? characters of my film appeared quite natural while shooting nothing to do with Loktak. The character of an old lady who would be acceptable to the people of A: In the beginning, I always perceived Cinema as feature for feature film. Even my crew members were automatically represented a good soul was there in Manipur and what would not be ? This is films. I was born in the celluloid era when feature films were attuned to the location. Nongmei, she ultimately became a surrealistic Loktak an important question for something will made in celluloid. And documentary film making was beyond Q: How did you choose the story of your feature film? Lairembee (a goddess of Loktak Lake) in my film. have to be given to the NSCN (IM), after my idea. A: Being a contemporary filmmaker, my idea comes from The idea about the film was to depict gun culture, chaos After I graduated from SRFTI Kolkata, I started shooting daily happenings. What affects me now as a person gets in the society and bringing about a change. While scripting, all these years of political negotiations. we have to come to a conclusion. In my film, the conclusion But the important point, what is it that for Television program, then I started making documentary reflected in the choice of my film script. films. My documentary film, AFSPA 1958 was a big success During 2011, 2012 and 2013 there were lots of gun related was drawn with a metaphor through the character of a may be acceptable to the people of Lairembee (goddess). Finally, we need to relook at our cul- Manipur ? This is a point which CSOs at the onset of my career as a filmmaker. violence in Manipur. I had an urge of making a film on the I always wanted to make feature film and the mood of same topic. My first feature film Loktak Lairembee is an tural values and belief system. There is always an argument which have been at the forefront of putting shooting feature film reemerged when Manipur witnessed the adaptation from the short story ‘Nongmei’ (Gun) by Sudhir if God exist or not but in my opinion the concept of what one across the position of Manipur must have trend of Digital video filmmaking in 2002. It was a challeng- Naoroibam. I worked with the author and the story evolved believes holds true. If one believes that God exists than it deliberated and should deliberate. As of ing time for me as I was into documentary filmmaking. into a fine script for my film. exists otherwise not. now, the NSCN (IM) continues to stick to Documentary filmmaking and feature film making differ in Q: What do you look for while making a feature film ? For a filmmaker, what he or she believes in gets reflected its demand for a separate Constitution many aspects. It took me time to change track. A: I try to stay away from typical classical storytelling. I in scripting and script plays a major part of the film. The script and a flag, but as stated earlier here, My actual effort of making a feature film began in 2011, always wanted to depict Manipur in its unique style for my other than the story is totally dependent on the filmmaker’s Manipur will need to be on high alert, for luckily the same year I was chosen as one among six emerg- films. My mind is in the pursuit of finding a cinematic philosophy. something else may be given in place of ing talents of India by National Film Development Corporation language to capture and portray Manipur and its people in its (To be contd) a separate flag and Constitution. And that something may go against the interest of Manipur. No one seems to know which way the political dialogue with the NSCN (IM) is Buy local this Diwali : Mantra for spreading joy and prosperity heading towards and this is one reason why speculations do the round and in the Abhishek Dayal, Director, PIB Imphal process sow the seeds of suspicion and “Nowadays you can see, said, “Inspired by the clarion also an important source of human figures are some of carved wood. bamboo, papier-mâché and animosity. And such seeds were sown back ‘Vocal for Local’ and the call given by the Prime Min- revenue and commerce. These the popular motifs that are The tribesmen of the re- wood. The Dafla women of as early as 1997, when the ceasefire was mantra of ‘Local for Diwali’ too ister on 9th of November, handicrafts beautify our embroidered on these gion are proven blacksmiths Arunachal, the Kumar and first signed between the outfit and the is echoing everywhere. I also let’s come together to show homes and lives all over In- handloom products. The and their metallurgical skills Hira communities of Government of India. This is a long period tell the countrymen to promote our support for local textile dia, and also fill us with pride tribes of , Manipur, can be seen in the exquisite and the Tangkhul, Poumai of time and it would be interesting to see ‘Local for Diwali’ campaign as and handicraft business. Be it as a nation for being a part of and Arunachal have weapons, tools, musical in- and Chakpa tribes of Manipur how the Chief Minister puts across the much as possible. Then these the humble earthen Diya, the such a diverse, rich, intricate a rich and diverse tradition of struments and jewellery that are renowned potters. Some position of Manipur to New Delhi. It is things will go far and wide if the desi drape, home furnishings and sensitive culture. The textiles. they produce. The Angami of these communities make clear from the interview Th Muivah gave people know how wonderful like bed sheets, curtains or making of these products As the Prime Minister has and Rengma tribes of earthernware without a pot- to Karan Thapar on the The Wire some they are and what our identity handcrafted goods that you does not destroy the environ- repeatedly pointed out, Bam- Nagaland are considered to ter’s wheel, using only their time back, that the NSCN (IM) is still is! This will not only gift your near and dear ones; ment or cause health hazard boo and cane products of the be amongst the best black- hands to fashion the clay. wedded to the idea of a Greater Lim or strengthen the local identity, this Diwali make every pur- to the makers and the users – region are exceptionally beau- smiths in the region. Brass is Terracotta craftsmen from Nagalim, though it may have been put on but Diwali will also brighten chase count.” in fact many products are tiful and useful. For instance, an important cottage industry Asarikandi in Assam have the back burner for the time being. This the lives of the people who Handicrafts of the directly linked to health care he highlighted the bamboo in the district of Kamrup in carved a niche for themselves is what Manipur is staunchly against and make these goods. That is why North East and wellness. tiffin boxes of Manipur in one Assam, while the Barpeta with their one-of-a-kind this is a point which has been put forth before Diwali, I am urging the The North Eastern states There are special areas of his Mann ki Baat broad- District has the bell metal style, which led to Asarikandi in clear cut terms. How the Chief Minister people of the country again and are especially well known for within each of the North East cast. Working with bamboo trade. being branded an ethnic art in verbalises this stand before the Centre will again to be vigilant for the their rich variety of handicraft states that have for centuries and cane are integral to the Artisans of Arunachal are India. is famous for also go some way in adding muscle to the ‘local’ products….. Celebrate articles and traditions. There honed their craft and are dedi- culture of the region. The skilled in the technique of its thangkas (religious scrolls position of Manipur. The responsibility is Diwali with local, not just are products that not only cated to producing forests of the Northeast are using wax moulds to make depicting Buddhist mythol- clear and perhaps it would help if the lamps. Some people think that serve the basic needs of man, specialized, world class prod- abundant in bamboo and the brass and gold jewellery. The ogy) paintings, carpets and Chief Minister can consult the numerous local means diyas or lamps. No, but are also appropriate for ucts. Thus, to name a few, plant is used to make all kinds Nagas use glass shards and blankets woven with sheep civil society organisations, think tanks, the it means everything, every special occasions and festivi- we can recall that Sualkuchi of items – from houses, fur- cowrie shells to design neck- wool. In Manipur, a reed experts in different fields and scholars to other product.” – Prime ties. Rich in colours and village of Assam is the big- niture, cradles, haversacks, laces and elephant tusks to known as kauna is used to place Manipur’s position before the Centre Minister Shri Narendra Modi designs, the handicrafts of gest silk production centre in containers and mats to hats, make bangles. In Jorhat we make double-weave mats. more effectively. As noted earlier here, (9 Nov, 2020) North East are aesthetically the region. Sualkuchi’s weav- jewellery, musical instru- see fine enamelling work With the above panoramic something will have to be given to the Ministry of Textile beautiful, environmentally ers have been creating ments and animal traps. known as minakari. As one view of the crafts of NE, we NSCN (IM), but it should not erode the launched a campaign “Local friendly and highly afford- exquisite handwoven silks The Konyak, Phom, expert points out: “Enamel- may not have touched even identity of Manipur as a distinct geo-po- for Diwali” earlier this week. able for the common man. such as muga, paat (mul- Khamti, Wancho, Nocte, ling is a back-breaking half the products that are pro- The campaign is in total sync Broadly speaking we can berry) and eri, for Tanga and Monpa tribes are process, which requires su- duced here and valued across litical reality. This is a point which should with Prime Minister Shri classify the handicrafts into generations. Sonidan in renowned for their skill in perior skill but the end the country. It is indeed our be made clear before New Delhi. Flag, Narendra Modi’s idea of textiles, cane and bamboo is an important wood carving. The Monpas products are striking gold responsibility to be aware of Constitution do not concern the interest making the nation products, wood carving, centre of endi silk weaving. are famous for their utensils, and silver rings, bracelets and the existence of such won- of Manipur but definitely the idea of Atmanirbhar or self reliant. It metal works, candle and soap The silk saris of Manipur and bowls, cups and ceremonial necklaces. The colours used ders that made India the Manipur does concern all the people here. is also in tune with two other making, jewellery and Assam are especially famous masks. The Aos make drums in minakari range from the golden in the past. We significant themes – the cry- terracotta. There are other sig- but these fabric are put to use sculpted from wood, some- traditional dark blue and can begin our effort in na- ing need to regain the nificant smaller groups also, in numerous other ways also. times using just a single log green and white to the more tional rejuvenation by cultural, economic and artis- but the above group forms Most tribes have a unique from a tree trunk. The uncommon red and yellow.” celebrating this Diwali with tic glory of the nation and to the bulk of the handicraft weave and the patterns vary Khamtis of Arunachal Masks of various kinds these products. With these Etc etc economically support the arti- products that are consumed not only within clans of the Pradesh are known for their are crafted in Assam, purchases, not only will it sans, traders and small locally and sold all over the same tribe, but also from one exquisite wooden images of Manipur and Sikkim. The spread cheer in the entrepreneurs in the times of country. Handicraft sector not village to another and within Lord Buddha. The Lepchas masks, widely used in re- hardworking and poor fami- 'May you be the mother of many sons...' economic hardship. only gives employment to a members of the same clan and Bhutias of Sikkim make gional and folk theatres, are lies of artisans and small While launching the cam- significant proportion of depending on their social sta- bagschok (centre table), parti- fashioned from terracotta, traders, it will also im- Shobha Shukla – CNS paign, Minister of Textiles North East population, but is tus. , flowers and tion screens and chairs out of pith (Indian cork), metal, mensely enrich our own lives. Contd from previous issue Comprehensive abortion care Favourable legal environments are the first step in pro- viding comprehensive abortion care by healthcare providers Why some people get more acne in the winter even in humanitarian settings, where women and girls face Nothing much blooms in winter, but pimples may be an on pimples or acne and leave on for a couple of hours, or increased risk of unsafe abortions arising out of various exception. Wintertime can be hard on the skin. When cold air even overnight. forms of sexual and gender based violence and resulting in hits our face, it rips away natural surface lipids which act as -Beauty Tips - Simmer a handful of neem leaves on a very low fire in 4 maternal mortality and morbidity. a layer of protection. Winter tends to be the driest time of the cups of water for one hour. Leave it overnight. Next morning, Comprehensive abortion care includes menstrual regu- year. Cold air holds less moisture and your skin becomes dry, strain the water and make a paste of the leaves. Apply it on lation - a procedure to regulate the menstrual cycle to ensure itching, flaking, and peeling due to the chill outside. Cold Shahnaz Husain areas with pimples and rash. a non-pregnancy; post-abortion care; and contraceptive weather, wind, and dry indoor air can suck moisture from minutes. It helps to reduce Add 2 DROPS of Tea Tree Oil to two tablespoons of provision and counselling. your skin. When moisture leaks out of the skin, the oil glands oiliness and close the pores. water or rose water. Apply this on rash and pimples. Maria Persson, Sexual and Reproductive Health Expert will overproduce sebum to lubricate/hydrate the skin. Green tea also works well Add a little turmeric paste to milk and apply on rashy at Ipas Bangladesh (who was a Research Assistant at While a little keeps your skin soft and moist, too much as an astringent toner. Soak areas. Remember that Blackheads can lead to pimples and Karolinska Institutet when the study was conducted), shared can result in clogged pores and more acne. green tea leaves or a teabag acne. Mix oats with egg white and apply on the areas with the example of comprehensive abortion care provision in Your face’s “T-zone”—basically, your forehead, nose and in hot water for half an hour. scars and blackheads. Wash off after 15 minutes or when it Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, which is home to more than chin— produces the most sebum than almost any other part Cool and strain and use the dries. Make a paste with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 900,000 Rohingya refugees displaced from Myanmar. of your body, which is why this area is prone to pimples liquid on the skin. and a little water and apply daily on the areas with scars and The Bangladesh government, with help from civil soci- when the temperature dips. If the skin feels dry in blackheads. Leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with water. ety organisations, leads this humanitarian response, through Cold exposure is a form of physical stress and if you winter or after washing, If there is redness on the skin due to pimples, or the healthcare facilities that provide free abortion care services. suffer from things like acne or rosacea, that stress might avoid creams and moisturiz- eruptions are reddish, apply aloe vera gel daily on the face, Induced abortion in Bangladesh is illegal, unless the increase inflammation. Making time for activities that mellow ers. Mix one teaspoon pure washing off with plain water after 20 minutes. It also soothes woman’s life is in danger. you out—stuff like exercise, yoga and meditation—may ease glycerin with 100 ml rose irritation. It is also important to make sure that the hair and But menstrual regulation (a simple and inexpensive pro- your anxiety and help you avoid stress pimples. water. Keep in an air-tight bottle in the fridge. Apply a little scalp are kept scrupulously clean. If the scalp is oily, or if cedure that uses manual vacuum aspiration to make it Daily cleansing and skincare, with appropriate products, is of this lotion to relieve dryness. there is dandruff, it can lead to pimples and acne. Keep the impossible to be pregnant after missing a period) is legally the only way of protecting the skin from pimples and acne. Sandalwood paste can be applied on the pimples, acne and hair away from the face while you sleep. Wash pillow covers permitted up to 10 weeks of gestation and is widely prac- Keep the pores free of hardened oil and reduce oiliness of the boils. Twice a week, mix Multani mitti, rose water and and towels in warm soapy water, after adding one teaspoon tised in healthcare facilities. Also a combination of skin. Use an astringent-toner after cleansing. Wipe the face sandalwood paste together into a paste. Apply on the face, antiseptic lotion. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, mifepristone and misoprotol for medical abortion has been with it, using cotton wool. Astringents help to reduce oiliness avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off when it curd, in your daily diet and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. legalised since 2012. of the skin and tighten the pores. dries. Mix together one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) pow- Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first Cucumber has an astringent effect. Apply cucumber juice der, half teaspoon methi seed powder, lemon juice and a few thing in the morning. The author is an internationally famed (To be contd) by itself on the face and wash it off with plain water after 15 drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply it ONLY beauty expert and is called Herbal Queen of India