A Being in Bhuj

This was the second time that we had been to Kutch as part of the Non-Fiction Filmmaking course in the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology. When there, I went through a lot of learning about how a lot of things about non fiction filmmaking work. I had gone there with a completely different intent for a film, and came back with something that even I did not expect. However, in the meantime, a lot had transpired. I had gone there to make a film about Dholavira, an ancient Indus Valley Civilisation site in Kutch. However, after reaching there, I got disillusioned after watching the research footage that I had shot, and seeing the conditions more or less the same. So I thought that it did not make any sense to make a film where one could not really see anything in the frame. I had known, and Identified by then the proverbial "mistakes" that I had made in the first trip and first non-fiction film that I made, about BhojaBhai Meghwal. This time when I had gone there, I was armed with a more potent understanding of Non-Fiction film. This time, however we were given certain assignments to understand how camera and shot taking works for non-fiction film as opposed to fiction. This is how our trip here began. I made an attempt at it, and decided to just feel the moment that I was shooting. This was well received and appreciated by faculty as well as colleagues. I then, after the disillusionment from Dholavira, went and spoke to RV Ramani, one of India's most prolific and admirable non-fiction filmmakers, who was our guest faculty for this trip. After having discussions with him, I decided that I will make a film about the place I was living in, Bhuj. In certain ways, I tried taking the camera excercises forward, and in someways, tried to find a BEING IN BHUJ. There were times when I could achieve success in the path I had chosen, and sometimes when I failed miserably. But this was the biggest learning experience of my life for sure. This is what came out of it.

Thanks,

Kunal D

A Being in Bhuj from Kunal Deshpande on Vimeo.

First Non Fiction Film From Kutch

This is the first non fiction filmmaking experience for me. We were in Kutch as part of our non-Fiction Semester at the Srishti School of Art Design and Technology in Bangalore. These films are made with the focus being the Craft of the Region of Kutch being at risk of dying out. The film tries to understand what the craft means to the Craftsman, BhojrajBhai Meghwal, and tries to know him as well. First attempt at filmmaking on the field, and alone, this film has many drawbacks, and I would like to know what people feel. Also, Would like to share the craft with people.

Bhojraj Meghwal - Kutch craft films from Kunal Deshpande on Vimeo.