ALAPPUZHA: ‘Passfire,’ a feature-documentary on the Thrissur Pooram, known for it’s spectacular firework display, is set for release in the US in August.
Two US-based filmmakers, Jesse Veverka and Jeremy Veverka, popularly known as Veverka brothers, directed the film after watching a firework show two years ago.
Jesse Viverka told DC, “The film was shot in at least 20 countries. We have found a number of sponsors to raise funds to meet the expected cost of $250,000.
“It took about 10 days in April 2013 to shoot the Pooram,” he said. “Thrissur Pooram is unique because of its big maroons or ‘dynas.’
The connection that these shells and the Pooram festivals have to religion is unique. Using fireworks to honour Lord Shiva and Lord Rama is different from the way fireworks are used in the west where it is seen as celebratory,” he said.
“Kerala's maroons are made in small workshops, not big corporate factories like in China and Sivakasi. The craftsmen learn the trade through hands-on experience and oral tradition.
The art is passed down from generation to generation, and this is a strong theme in our film,” Mr Jesse, said. ‘Passfire’ is the first documentary to look at the cultural influences of fireworks worldwide.
