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16th DMZ Docs(2024)

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Farming the Revolution

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Nishtha JAIN, Akash BASUMATARI

  • India, France, Norway
  • 2024
  • 105min
  • 12 +
  • DCP
  • color

Asian Premiere

Synopsis

Farming the Revolution takes us to the heart of the massive year-long protests against the Indian government¡¯s then newly enacted farm laws during the COVID lockdown. Over half a million protesters gathered – men and women from all generations, religions, classes and castes – and reinvented co-existence at massive protest sites that burgeoned on the borders of Delhi. The film invites us to experience the everyday textures and indomitable spirit of this historic farmers¡¯ movement – until, finally.

Review

In 2020, as the unprecedented disaster of COVID-19 swept across the world, India's farmers faced a new crisis. An agriculture law was announced, poised to exacerbate exploitation and deepen inequality. Farming the Revolution takes us inside the protests of hundreds of thousands of farmers and their spontaneous allies across India, who gathered to oppose this legislation designed to serve the interests of the ruling class. Co-directed by the unflinching and insightful Nishtha Jain, along with Akash Basumatari, an emerging force in Indian documentary filmmaking, the film is a powerful testament to the wisdom and courage of grassroots movements. While young, passionate activists and notable figures make appearances at key moments, the film primarily focuses on the collective imagery and conversations of the people on the road, captured over more than a year. These moments of extraordinary dedication, solidarity, and raw anger exemplify true democracy in action. In the end, the struggle culminates in a triumphant victory, capturing the voices silenced and erased by both the government and the media. Jain and Basumatari's thoughtful direction not only conveys the emotion of this historic moment but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. The film's message extends beyond India, resonating with all who live in times of conflict, inequality, and individualism. It reinforces the 16th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival's slogan, "Act Out for Friendship and Solidarity," with even greater power.

Director

  • Nishtha JAIN

    Born in India, 1965. Nishtha Jain is a documentary filmmaker best known for her films such as City of Photos (2004), Gulabi Gang (2012), and The Golden Thread (2022). She is a Chicken & Egg Award winner (2020); Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences (AMPAS) member; and Film Independent Global Media Maker Fellow (2019-20). Farming the Revolution(2024) won the Best International Feature Documentary at Hot Docs 2024.​ 

  • Akash BASUMATARI

    Born in India, Akash Basumatari is an emerging documentary filmmaker who captures subaltern narratives with a distinctive, earthy style. Educated in Visual Communication, Media and Cultural Studies, he began his career at SPS Community Media, training grassroots filmmakers. His documentaries including The Lyrical Rongdanis (2020) explore themes of the environment, indigenous cultures, and traditional music, often with poetic, abstract undertones.

Credit

  • ProducerNishtha JAIN, Valerie MONTMARTIN
  • Cast Gurbaz SINGH SANGHA, Veerpal KAUR, Beant KHOSA, Joginder Singh UGRAHAN
  • Screenwriter Nishtha JAIN
  • Cinematography Akash BASUMATARI
  • Art director Nishtha JAIN
  • Editor Giles GARDNER, Nishtha JAIN, Anand GAUTAM
  • Music Florencia DI CONCILIO
  • Sound Lohit BHALLA, Niraj GERA