More often than not, the only difference between the ordinary and extraordinary is that little “extra.” Santosh Chandrashekar, Aiman and Sumit Dasgupta, a young enterprising trio, from namma ooru live by the saying — their university assignment-turned- award-winning documentary, Rangzen, which secured the first place (documentary) at the Sixth Bangalore Shorts Film Festival held on June 11, testifies the same. In a candid chat, they tell us more while prepping for an acclaimed international film screening to be held in Shimla.
“This was a part of a college project, which we did last year, which was mandatory for all graduating students. A lot has been spoken and written about Tibetans and their struggle. But, what was mentioned nowhere was about their identities. It was indeed an insightful journey, as it demanded a visit to the Tibetans living in Bylakuppe and the surrounding areas. The struggle they are facing, trying to juggle between an adapted Indian identity and the Tibetan identity they are holding on to, that interested us,” shares Santosh, who currently works as an assistant professor. The 38-minuter explores the idea of ‘home’ and how Tibetans hold a dream about going to a nation, which ceases to exist.
Adding how the idea sprouted out of an innate desire to look out for prevalent societal issues, Aiman, a copywriter, adds, “We weren’t looking for topics. But, rather were keen on bringing issues that people are grappling with to the fore.”
The movie was rustled up in May 2016 and has received Official Selections at various Film Festivals such as International Documentary and Short Film Festival Kerala 2016, Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2017. The three are alumni of St Joseph’s College, Bengaluru.
While the responses have been overwhelming, was film making always on their minds? Sumit responds, “There was a general inclination towards cinema. The three of us interned at the Pedestrian Pictures, while in college, and that was where our passion was honed and we were exposed to the various dynamics of film making.” Movie making aside, the book enthusiasts enthuse about their other interests. “I think we’re all ardent readers. That aside, we love voicing our opinion on political and socially relevant issues on online portals. Santosh is a movie buff, and I love travelling too,” shares Aiman.
A year since they sat on the project, the trio still believe it’s one of the best assignments they’ve invested their time and efforts in. “We are sending the documentary to various international festival, as we believe we have an important message. We worked hard and I’m glad the efforts are paying of.
There’s an international film festival in Shimla on the cards. Hopefully, we should get qualified," signs off Sumit, with his fingers crossed.
