Private Project

Ballad of the mountain

Ballad of the mountain

  • Tarun Jain
    Director
    Amma Meri, Aakhir, Kaala
  • Tarun Jain
    Writer
    Amma Meri, Kaala, Aakhir
  • Nasira Khan
    Writer
    Kaala
  • Abhijeet Phartiyal
    Writer
  • Tarun Jain
    Producer
    Amma Meri, Kaala, Aakhir
  • Nasira Khan
    Producer
    Amma Meri, Kaala
  • Sudha Jain
    Producer
  • Naresh Jain
    Producer
  • Diya Bisht
    Key Cast
    "Diya"
  • Kavyanjali Bisht
    Key Cast
    "Kabu"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 9 seconds
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    Red
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tarun Jain

Tarun Jain, a Mumbai-based filmmaker, has a prolific career marked by numerous projects and the creation of four short films. His acclaimed work, "Amma Meri," addressing agrarian crises in Haryana, premiered at the Tampere Film Festival in Finland in 2018, an Oscar-qualifying event. This film was also showcased at prominent film festivals like IFFI and MIFF, amassing six awards across diverse categories, underscoring its significance.

Another notable creation is "Kaala," a critically acclaimed short film inspired by the racial attacks against Africans in Delhi during 2016 and 2017. This film earned a place in the 2020 Oscars after securing the title of Best Short Film at the Cinequest Film and VR Festival in the USA.

Tarun's latest work, "Ballad of the Mountain," narrates a compelling story set in Uttarakhand's foothills, portraying a humble girl's aspirations to become an astronaut.

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Director Statement

Ballad of the mountain is an ode to the persistent effort of a young girl who embarks on a journey, defying societal norms to follow her dreams. A low caste, who lives beneath the rugged mountains of Uttarakhand (India) with her mother and young sister whom she nurtures like a mother.

Every morning, the two would climb the tall mountains to reach school. As they walk through the forest, Kabu awaits for her sister to begin. Diya weaves yet another story; stories which are reflection of her aspirations that never ceases to stop. They hike through the river steams, the water falls and the deep jungle to reach the temple of knowledge. Yet the miles of effort often appears meaningless. Being the subject of mockery, Diya is appalled at it’s consistency with no sign of empathy from the teacher. However, the very dearth of wisdom makes her take this treacherous path everyday where she learns about people and their extraordinary achievements. And she ponders how someday this can come true for her too.

A poignant narrative that sheds light on the tenacity of gender biasness, caste division in a country where women are worshipped as Goddesses. On the other hand, betrayed for something as fundamental as education.

The film paints a vivid picture of the challenges that many girls face everyday that relegates the education of girls to a secondary role which continues to perpetuate a cycle of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. It aims to illustrate the stark reality that many girls encounter and showcase the inherent strength and determination that can lead to transformative change.

Through Diya’s unwavering determination, we aim to inspire a collective thought that makes us rethink our choices, questions ingrained biases, and compels society to support education for every child.

“Ballad of the mountain" is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. It is an invitation to confront the uncomfortable truths that persist in our society and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative for countless girls who deserve a chance to learn, grow and flourish.