Socio-political conflicts represented on film have often been hit-and-miss. Between recreating and reinterpreting the core of the conflict to actually transforming that visual narrative on film, Indian films based on conflicts have sometimes lost the essence of the narrative in translation.
The current politically turbulent atmosphere only calls for more conscious storytelling that preserves the core of the conflict to the people, places and identities that it has directly affected. In this aspect, Tezpur-based filmmaker Prarthana Goswami delivers a ground-breaking piece of work through her latest short film, The Wait.
The film is set in rural Assam in the late 90s, nosedives into a volatile secessionist movement that was erupting in the idyllic village during this period. The narrative follows the lives of two ordinary people Rajen and Kunjo and the disparities of their lives in the midst of this heightened conflict. As the film progresses we get a peek into the simple sources of joy in the village.
Prarthana’s cinematic vision shows great precision and valour, owing to her stellar career as an assistant director and script supervisor for some of the biggest Bollywood banners. With blockbuster hits such as Band Baaja Baaraat, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Aisha - Goswami’s recent work as script supervisor was for the latest sports-biopic film, 83.
Goswami’s film language and tonality indicate the director’s experience with the craft and the power she holds in storytelling. The Wait has gone on to bag five international film festival awards and numerous national awards. It has also been selected in an Oscar qualifying festival - Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series.
If you enjoyed reading this, we also suggest: