(55 min; 2022; Assamese with English subtitles)
Directed by Utpal Borpujari who will introduce the film
Produced by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts – North East Regional Centre
Recipient of the award for Best Documentary (Bronze), North East Film Festival, Mumbai 2023
Screening will be followed by a discussion
The numerous satras (Vaishnavaite monasteries) of Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island, are not only religious places of great significance but also form the heart of Satriya culture that was created by the 15th century saint, poet, playwright, social reformer and cultural icon Srimanta Sankardev. One of the key elements of Satriya culture is the masks worn by performers during Bhaona – dance dramas based on Hindu mythology. These masks or mukha represent an intricate art form with the artisans creating them in a unique and completely organic way using biodegradable materials. A dying art form, the film documents the last few families that are engaged in keeping this practice alive at the Natun Chamaguri Satra, including award-winning mask maker, Dr. Hem Chandra Goswami