Pots of Millet, Faces of Gold: Transformation
(78 min; English)
An ethnographic film by Richard K. Wolf

The film will be introduced by Prof. Richard K. Wolf, Professor of Ethnomusicology, Harvard University

Screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker moderated by Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri, Associate Director General (Academic), Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology, American Institute of Indian Studies

This is the first in a series of films about the Kota indigenous people of South India, thematizing the passing of historical time, the periods of an individual’s life, and the way the viewer experiences time through the “lenses” of changing technology. Composed primarily of footage and sound the ethnomusicologist Richard K. Wolf collected in the course of fieldwork, 1990-2025, the film also bears the imprint of Wolf’s emerging relationship with the Kota, sometimes as participants, sometimes as observer

(Collaboration: American Institute of Indian Studies)

Humans in the Loop (India)
(74 min; 2024; Hindi with English subtitles)
Written and Directed by Aranya Sahay who will introduce the film

Recipient of the Best Film Award and FIPPRESCI Prize, Bengaluru International Film Festival 2025

Screening will be followed by a discussion

The film follows the journey of an Adivasi woman who begins interacting with AI while working in a data centre in Jharkhand

The House in the Hills 
(47 min; 2024; English and with subtitles)
Written and Directed by Mekhela Deva

The film will be introduced by Sudeep Sen, well-known poet

What happens when a journalist turned filmmaker volunteers to go to Mussoorie to oversee the repairs to a house that belonged to her grandfather? The film weaves together the restoration of Dil Bahar, a heritage house, along with the story of pre and post-Independent India as seen through the growth and development of a small hill town.    

Curator: Rajiv Mehrotra

A Fly on the Wall
(82 min; 2024; English)
Directors: Shonali Bose & Nilesh Maniyar

The film follows Chika Kapadia’s final eight days, filmed by two of his closest friends, as he chooses assisted dying – un unflinching journey through love, loss and the right to die with dignity

Collaboration: Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama)

Kathak Recital
By Niharika Kushwah from Delhi, disciple of Guru Prerana Shrimali  

At 19:00 
Bharatanatyam Recital
By Shruthipriya Vignesh, from Chennai, disciple of Smt Nithyakalyani Vaidyanathan and Smt Bragha Bessell 
 

A bit of joy and pleasure: Songs – Classical and Broadway
Presented by R. Excelicia Cunville (soprano- alto)

Accompanied by Varun Kumar on the piano

The artist will present a concert of works by Handel, Mozart, Saint-Saëns and others
 

Baul Music
By Lakshman Das Baul, well-known Baul singer from Birbhum, West Bengal

Accompanied by Sandip Das on tabla; Radha Shyam Lohar on flute; and Dipankar Bose on kartal and ghungroo

The Bauls are mystic minstrels living in rural Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Their music and way of life have influenced a large segment of Bengali culture, and particularly the compositions of Nobel Prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Baul Sangeet is essentially an oral tradition which represents a long heritage of preaching mysticism through songs in Bengal. The lyrics intertwine a deep sense of mysticism, and a longing for oneness with the divine.

(Collaboration: NCZCC, Ministry of Culture, Government of India)

THURSDAY 15

FILM ■ C.D. DESHMUKH AUDITORIUM AT 18:30
Churning the Earth
(43 min; 2024; English)
Produced by Srishti Films and Kalpavriksh, for Vikalp Sangam

Screening will be followed by a discussion with Ashish Kothari, Founder of Kalpavriksh and member of Vikalp Sangam

Film on the powerful stories of ‘Alternative countercurrents’ constructed by ordinary people from different parts of the country in the face of widespread ecological destruction, social injustice and economic deprivation. Several initiatives on sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy from various states are depicted and laced together in a narrative of transformation.

(Collaboration: Kalpavriksh)
 

Classical Guitar Recital
 

By Rhitom Sarkar from Kolkata, disciple of Pt. Debashish Bhattacharya and Pt. Shyamal Chatterjee
Accompanied by Nageshwar Karn on the tabla

At 19:00
Hindustani Vocal Recital
 

By Nalini Joshi from Pune, disciple of Dr. Prabha Atre, Vidushi Savita Devi
Accompanists: Ustad Akhtar Hasan (tabla) and Damodar Lal Ghosh (harmonium)
 

Cancelled

Intimate Conversations: Rabindra Sangeet

Presented by Sounak Chatterjee from Kolkata

Among the foremost vocalists of his generation, Sounak received training in Hindustani classical music from Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khansahab and Mubarak Ali Khasahab of the Kirana Gharana. He received advanced training in Rabindrasangeet from Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta and Pramita Mallick

(Collaboration: Impresario India)