Filming Reality
The Independent Documentary Movement in India
- Shoma A. Chatterji - freelance journalist, author and film scholar
Filming Reality explores the independent documentary film movement in India post-1970s, when it began to acquire an identity of its own and many films got worldwide recognition. It analyses notable documentaries made over the last four decades, including those by iconic film-makers such as Satyajit Ray, Mani Kaul, Anand Patwardhan; activists such as Rakesh Sharma, Ranjan Palit, Amar Kanwar; feminists such as Deepa Dhanraj and Madhusree Dutta; and auteurs such as Sanjay Kak, R.V. Ramani and others. Featuring a compilation and analysis of noted and rare documentaries, this book is of immense value to film buffs, film scholars and film-makers.
Far beyond being a listing exercise, rather it provides an in-depth study of each film-maker and their body of work…a testimony to the causes and concerns that film-makers espouse and the issues that they want to create awareness about…. The book is perhaps the most comprehensive commentary yet on India’s independent documentary films…a vital and timely document that brings to the limelight the chronicles of untold stories.
Books on Indian documentaries are rare and an effort such as veteran journalist Shoma A Chatterji’s “Filming Reality” looks particularly at the Independent Documentary Movement in India is indeed welcome… [The book] opts for a eulogistic tone, commending the remarkable courage and persistence of documentary filmmakers in India… making it a useful resource for researchers and film lovers.