The name of Sonum Sumaria’s deliberate feature could imply a broad feeling of opportunities, however her documentary in fact centers on an traditional culture that has become deeply constricted.
Ahmed and his kin – originating from a long line of wandering pastoralists – care for dromedaries on the flatlands of Kutch in the west of India.
Their daily rituals, preparing flatbreads over flames and tending to their herds, unfold in personal, leisurely sequences.
Intimately in Connection with Nature
These daily practices are profoundly in accord with the land, yet the surroundings has irrevocably shifted, threatening their survival.
Dry conditions rages, offering little water for Ahmed’s ailing livestock.
Environmental shifts is not the only cause; in evocative panoramic views, we see glimpses of windmills and industrial plants, commercial ventures that turn the local ecosystem into barren land.
Absence of Support for Livestock Owners
Additionally, although rules allocate foraging areas for bovines, no such measures are made available for those with herding animals.
Undernourished, Ahmed’s animals becomes more sick.
In a sorrowful twist, growing financial burdens and veterinary expenses quickly compel him to sell a large portion of his herd.
Skeptical of Modern Commerce
While skeptical about today’s economy, Sumaria’s film avoids idealizing the past.
Besides their pastoralist customs, Ahmed’s clan holds onto traditional perspectives of male and female responsibilities.
A lot of the domestic chores is performed by the females, including his girl Hanifa, whilst her boys are permitted to enjoy themselves.
In this community, female children are not given a formal schooling; they are likely to marry early.
Fascinating and Understanding Portrayal
This film might have explored further into these problematic aspects, tying them maybe to the broader problems about the insufficiency of state assistance.
Nonetheless, for a first film, this stands as a gripping and empathic depiction of a disappearing community.
