MUSIC/DANCE
1. A LIFE IN DANCE /Beta/ Col/ 60 min/ 3 films/ English: Contemporary Indian Dancers
This amazing one hour series potrays the life and dance of three well known dancers. These are:
1. 'A Life in Dance - Daksha Seth': Daksha Sheth has a fast growing reputation, as one of India's most exciting and progressive contemporary dance artists. Trained in Kathak by Padma Shree Smt. Kumudini Lakhia and Padma Vibhushan Shri. Birju Maharaj, and in Mayurbhanj Chhau by Guru Krishna Chandra Naik, Daksha has won acclaim in India and abroad as a performer of both styles. As a choreographer, Daksha has worked within the parameters of Kathak and Chhau, creating new works that have enriched both traditions. She has also expressed her creativity through innovative items that, going beyond the boundaries of tradition, seek a powerful, contemporary, yet uniquely Indian idiom of dance. This film won the Best Debut Director Award at the National Competition Section of the Mumbai International Film Festival.
2. 'A Life in Dance - Kelucharan Mohapatra': Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra is a renowned exponent of
the Odissi dance form. He is one of the great gurus or teachers who saved the 900-year-old dance form of Odissi from falling into oblivion. It is his determination and his passion for the dance that has helped place Odissi among the classical dance forms of India. At the age of 75, the guru dances with unmatched grace and vitality. This film juxtaposes his dance with his life.
3. 'A Life in Dance - Raja Radha Reddy': A film about Raja and Radha Reddy, the well-known and internationally acclaimed Kuchipudi dancers who brought this sacred dance form of Andhra Pradesh to the fore internationally. In spite of ostracisation from their family and community they persevered towards their goal and were only accepted once they made their mark and won critical acclaim in the press. The film documents their struggles and achievements and explores their life in dance.
2.
A VISION FULFILLED/ Beta/ Col/ 30 min/ English: Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta
Where classical traditions flourish in a contemporary avatar. Where there is no caste, class, religion but only music. This film is about such a place, The Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta, which imparts music training. This film was selected for the International Film Festival, Bombay.
