The One-Eared Elephant

"One-Eared Elephant from Hazaribagh" is a poignant documentary that delves into the heart of India's eastern jungles, where ancient traditions and cultural heritage are under threat from industrialization and modernization. The film revolves around the Tribal Women Artist Cooperative, a group of indigenous women artists who are preserving their unique art form, passed down through generations. In the district of Hazaribagh, meaning "a thousand gardens," these women create vivid wall paintings that depict their connection with nature and their surroundings. Their art, known as Sohrai and Khovar, features intricate designs and metaphors for mother goddesses, forces of nature, and creation. The documentary highlights the struggles of these women, including Philomina Tirkey and Parvati Devi, who are fighting to preserve their cultural identity amidst the looming threat of coal mining. With the support of Bulu Imam, an archeologist and former big game hunter, the women have formed a cooperative that not only promotes their art but also provides them with financial independence. Through this film, the audience is taken on a journey to explore the rich cultural heritage of these indigenous communities, their mythologies, and their struggles. The documentary showcases the women's art in the making, their daily lives, and the significance of their traditions in the face of modernization. Directed and produced by: Susanne Gupta, Berlin Director of Photography: Sudhir Aggarwal, Berlin/ New Delhi Sound by: B. K. Vaidy Nathan, New Delhi Editing: Thomas Balkenhol, Ankara University  Length: 85’ min More Info below.