A film on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and social revolution in India Arising Light is a 60-minute documentary film on the life story of Dr Ambedkar, who has emerged as the only truly Indian national leader after 50 years of Indian independence. His statues outnumber those of all the other leaders of modern India. The goal of the project is to create awareness about Dr. Ambedkar and his work. The story of Dr B. R. Ambedkar is both inspiring and challenging. The film looks in depth at the historical and sociological implications of Ambedkar’s peaceful revolution in India and for the world. It will also examine the sociological context in which this is being achieved: the movement for social equality and dignity Lokamitra and the Jambudvipa team are supporting David Blundell and Navaloka Productions in the making of this film. They are doing so because they believe it will make a significant contribution in creating awareness about the life and work of Dr. Ambedkar , and invite much needed attention to the plight of people formerly classed as untouchables. Navaloka Productions was established in 2005 as an audiovisual service for recording lives, cultures, and social development movements in Southern Asia. Its first project is based on the work of Dh Lokamitra, the Jambudvipa Trusts, and Traillokya Bauddha Mahasangha Sahayaka Gana (TBMSG) involved with and supporting deprived Dalit communities in India. The outcome will be a 60-minute documentary feature film on Dr B. R. Ambedkar in India, Arising Light. History of the Project: This project began in 2002 as a film documentary on social transformation among disenfranchised people in India (today commonly known as Dalit) and the legacy of Dr Ambedkar. In October 2005, the focus of this project was better defined as a documentary film on Dr Ambedkar to commemorate fifty years of his embracing of Buddhism (Nagpur, October 14th, 1956) and his untimely death (Delhi, December 6th, 1956). Immediate Future of Navaloka: Arising Light depicting the life of Dr Ambedkar (1891-1956) will pave the way to a second documentary from the 2002-2006 film footage. It will be about the social transformation movement in the name of Ambedkar since 1956 across India to the present. A third film will trace the life of a so-called untouchable (Dalit) boy who discovers his community by attending a commemorative event for Dr Ambedkar, meeting people from different walks of life working on social transformation in India. Each meeting will unfold a personal story of commitment to India. These projects and other audiovisual works relevant to culture and social development in Southern Asia and where it shares an edge with the world will continue to be the fundamental pursuit of Navaloka Productions. Current Status of the Film: The filming is effectively completed. Postproduction will be from June to July with mastering completed in August 2006. Once the final script is completed in May, translation will commence for subtitles and other related materials. Subtitles for the film apart from English have been suggested in Mandarin, Korean, Hindi, Marathi, etc. The film is planned for release by 2nd October 2006, the 50th anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar’s historic conversion to Buddhism. People Involved with the Film:
Editing staff—Professional team for Public Television and Motion-picture Industry Life of Arising Light: This project as a film will enter the international circuit for the recognition of a humanitarian who emphasized the social and economic transformation for disenfranchised people worldwide. It will have immediate impact in supporting aid organizations fundraising for assistance to uplift the condition of people who don’t have facilities to improve themselves. The film is not-for-profit, yet expected to earn funds to continue related projects, such as parts two and three. Generation and use of funds are traceable so that support can be followed to show worth and value. Direct Support for the Film: Funds issued through fiscal sponsorship are tax-deductible in USA and India. People who offer substantial support will receive a film credit. As the film proceeds, information about it will be sent to supporters. Once the film is completed, DVDs will be issued to supporters. The film is budgeted at USD 200,000. Your contribution will help realize a project that will benefit disenfranchised people in several ways: by illustrating a hidden heritage of India; by showing the achievements of a self-educated man born untouchable ( dalit) who lived in a 3x3 meter room most of his life, yet rose to become the first Minister of Law in India; and by communicating and sharing the work and ideals of a great humanitarian to people worldwide. >> more |
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