Song of Roland
In a quest to unravel the truth behind the discrimination faced by Chavittunatakam, a traditional folk art form from Kerala, a filmmaker delves into the history of its arrival with the Portuguese and explores the lives of Chavittunatakam artists. As they navigate the complexities of caste and religious politics, the filmmaker seeks to understand how an art form becomes classified as either folk or classical, challenging the boundaries imposed by society and Government.
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Shijin GovindDirector
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Shijin GovindWriter
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Shijin GovindProducer
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National Institute of Design Ahmedabad GujratProducer
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Abhilash KonathKey Cast"Abhilash/Roland"
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Joseph Salim KonathKey Cast"Aashan/Master"
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Paul PuthanchakkalakkalKey Cast"Paul/Pauliettan"
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:18 minutes 54 seconds
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Completion Date:August 25, 2023
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Country of Origin:India
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Country of Filming:India
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Language:Malayalam, Tamil
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - National Institute of Design Ahmedabad
Shijin Govind is an Indian multidisciplinary visual artist primarily focused on films and photography. His creations draw inspiration from native folk tales, pop culture, poetry, and childhood memories. With a remarkable blend of storytelling and craftsmanship, his work has gained recognition and appreciation from art and film enthusiasts as well as media worldwide. Shijin is currently pursuing a Masters in Film & Video Communication at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
In 'Song of Roland,' we follow Abhilash, a Chavittunatakam artist known as Roland, as he passionately performs the character of Roland on stage. However, his performances raise questions about why this art isn't widely accepted. This leads him on a journey to understand who decides if an art form is 'folk' or 'classical,' despite having all the qualities of a classical art. Our film explores his quest to challenge the authorities that define these categories and offers a thought-provoking look into the world of art.