'Lost Migrations': Watch An Animated Series Exploring The Untold Stories Of Partition
The Partition of India in 1947 is a defining moment in South Asian history, but its narrative has largely been confined to the Punjab region. Project Dastaan seeks to challenge this perspective by bringing to light the often overlooked stories of other communities affected by this monumental event.
This animated mini-series delves deep into the experiences of women, the Chettiar diaspora, and the stateless, offering a fresh and nuanced understanding of the Partition's far-reaching consequences. By combining local artistic styles and traditions, Project Dastaan aims to celebrate the individuality of each community while engaging a wider audience with these previously untold stories. The series is divided into three parts:
Sultana’s Dream by Sandhya Viswanathan
Through the lens of an elderly woman in Calcutta, 'Sultana's Dream' explores the multifaceted traumas endured by women during the Partition. The episode delves into themes of forced conversion, abuse, and abduction, painting a poignant picture of their struggles. The dreamlike visuals, inspired by Rokeya Sakhawat Hussain's 'Scattered Pearls', create a haunting atmosphere that complements the narrative's emotional depth.
Seabirds by Sawera Jahan
Seabirds is an exploration of memory, migration, and culinary heritage. Through the intimate bond between Umayal and Nithya, the film explores themes of history and nostalgia. As Umayal prepares a traditional Chettiar dish, the kitchen transforms into a portal to the past, where the flavors and spices carry the weight of a displaced community.
The film masterfully employs food as a metaphor for identity, tracing the Chettiar diaspora from Burma to India. Nithya's innocent curiosity becomes a catalyst for uncovering the complexities of her family's history, as the seemingly ordinary act of cooking reveals a rich and tumultuous journey across borders.
Rest In Paper by Haseeb Rehman
This satirical episode follows the absurd journey of Ghulam Ali, a man trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare as he is caught between India and Pakistan. Inspired by the works of Saadat Hasan Manto and Franz Kafka, Haseeb Rehman's film offers a darkly comic yet thought-provoking commentary on the absurdity of borders and the human cost of political division.
As India and Pakistan commemorate the 78th anniversary of their independence, the traumatic Partition of 1947 still casts a stark shadow. Project Dastaan serves as a vital counter-narrative, shedding light on the forgotten voices and experiences that continue to resonate through generations. By collaborating with animation studios in both India and Pakistan, the project ensures that these stories are brought to life with authenticity.
The series promises to be an inclusive exploration of the Partition, one that challenges our understanding of this pivotal event and honours the diverse voices that have long been marginalized. It's an invitation to witness history through a new lens, to empathize with the untold, and to recognize the impact of the Partition on generations of South Asian communities.
