The owl-eyed guardian and the banyan dream
In the remote village of Kottakarai, an enigmatic woman named Andhayee defies societal norms, living a solitary life under a haunted banyan tree on barren land. After her husband's death, Andhayee finds solace under the ancient tree, nurturing a profound spiritual connection.
Andhayee foretells a time when people from all corners of the world will gather beneath her beloved tree—a prophecy that becomes reality in 1967 when three men—Roger, Gilbert, and Ramanathan— sent by their spiritual leader, The Mother, embark on a journey to locate the destined centre of a new international township. Guided by an old map and intuition, they discover Andhayee living precisely at the spot designated by The Mother. This moment marks the birth of Auroville, a utopian community envisioned as a place of human unity.
As construction of the iconic Matrimandir begins, Andhayee becomes an integral part of the emerging community. Her presence is both nurturing and spiritual—cooking for the workers, offering guidance, and embodying a link between the old world and the new dream. Her life unfolds in quiet resilience, even as she faces personal losses and the destruction of her hut.
"The Owl-Eyed Guardian and the Banyan Dream" follows Andhayee's journey, painting a vivid portrait of the early years of Auroville through her eyes and the memories of those who knew her. Her story, woven with the traditions and cultures of the surrounding villages, reveals the unspoken struggles and aspirations of ordinary people with extraordinary visions. It is a tale of connection, spirituality, and hope—a testament to the immortal dream of Auroville, where roots run deep, and new worlds are co-created.
Andhayee offers a message to the "people of the future," inspiring generations to come with her unwavering faith in a higher reality and a united world.
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alessandra argentiDirector
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alessandra argentiWriter
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AVI USAProducer
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Jayalakshmi JayabalKey Cast"Andhayee (old)"
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Pavitra JayamoorthyKey Cast"Andhayee (adult)"
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Vibha NirmalkumarKey Cast"Andhayee (child)"
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Project Type:Feature
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Runtime:1 hour
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Completion Date:December 31, 2024
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Production Budget:10,000 USD
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Country of Origin:India
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Country of Filming:India
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Shooting Format:Digital, Canon RAW 4K
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Alessandra Silver offers an exceptional blend of creative vision, digital communication knowledge and multimedia storytelling processes.
With a deep passion for uncovering truths, she meticulously captures real-life narratives, weaving them into a seamless and thought-provoking tapestry.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, her work transcends mere documentation, offering audiences a transformative journey that educates, challenges, and resonates long after the screen fades to black.
She has worked in the field of no-profit, educational media, advocacy and awareness creation for over 15 years, working with UN agencies across the world.
She specialized in participatory media techniques to involve the grass roots community into the filmmaking process and to make them an active part of the story-telling journey.
I envision media as a powerful tool to ignite positive change in our societies and I am ready to use this power to create a better, more justice and sustainable world for all.