Monsoon Film Festival, Coimbatore

Monsoon Film Festival, Coimbatore

28 June; 10 am to 5 pm

Clusters Media College

Organised by Tamilnadu Kalai Ilaykkiya Perumandram - Kovai, Periyar Ambedkar Marx Sinthanai Kalam & Marupakkam 

Curated by Amudhan RP

Schedule (yet to get the approval from the filmmakers)

10 am to 1 pm 

Cuando llegue la neblina 

Dir: Laurentia Genske; 23:23 min; Documentary; Germany

Synopsis: The short film "Cuando llegue la neblina" (When the Fog Comes) portrays the lives of people from the Mexican border city of Tijuana. Through a combination of photographs, animations, and audio recordings, the film delves into the daily realities of four individuals who have different connections to the Mexican-American border.

Baghdad Graphic

Dir: D.K. Odessa; 15:00 min; Documentary; Iraq

Based on fragments from a never finished graphic novel, Baghdad Graphic presents an unflinching account of an Iraqi journalist and his desperate effort to survive the invasion of his country. An intensely personal portrait of the costs of war.

1948 What We Knew

Dir: Jill Daniels; 15:00 min; Documentary; United Kingdom

Synopsis: An autobiographical documentary filmed on a smartphone in London at the start of the Israeli state's murderous attack on Gaza, three Jewish women of European heritage - Ruth, Gail and me, all born in 1948, the same year as the Israeli state - discuss the (fairy) stories of empty deserts and false dreams of Jewish salvation we heard about Israel growing up. 1948 What We Knew paints a compelling portrait of contested Jewish identity.

The Well

Dir: Balaji Maheshwar; 1:02:07 min; Documentary; India

In a remote tribal village, a community unearths an age-old well, reviving not just their water source but their deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties to nature. Bhaavi is an observational portrait of resilience, indigenous knowledge, and the fragile balance between humanity and ecology.

Located at the convergence of Eastern and Western Ghat mountain ranges, near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, lies the beautiful and pensive Solaganai tribal village. The Solagars are indigenous tribes who call the forests their home. But this home is without a dependable source of drinking water for most parts of the year, especially during the summer months. To bring one pot of drinking water, the people of Solaganai had to walk many miles, up and down hilly areas and down into the valley. For a scenic mountain hamlet, supposedly where springs and streams originate, this fate seemed ironic. This leads us to question our actions that disrupt ecological balance.

Sudar Katru

Dir: Anirudh Unnikrishnan; 40 min; Tamil; Short film; India; 2025

Chiyashi, a Tamil manual scavenger, dies suddenly at work, his son Kichandi must take his body to the village’s public burial ground, as there is no space at home. On the way, the family faces many struggles and objections from people around them. The film follows Kichandi’s emotional journey as he tries to give his father a respectful burial, showing the difficulties a marginalized family goes through during this final ritual.

Tam-bram Cooking

Dir: Sraiyanti, Prem Akkattoos; 10:02; India; Documentary; Competition

A man who works as a security guard in an apartment complex goes about his day, while the residents who live there express their views on caste, identity and their own social standing. But actions speak louder than words.

2 pm to 5 pm 

Maithaanam

Dir : Madhu; 18 mn; Fiction; Tamil; India; 2025

An adult who awaits for a year to use the opportunity of playing local county cricket, has a chat with an old guy who graze the goats in the cricket ground and realizes the true face of betraying fellow players.

We Saw Fire

Dir: Santiago D. Risco; 48:00 min; Documentary; Spain / Mozambique

Vitória and her children were forced to flee after their village was violently attacked. They reunite with her son Momade and his family in a camp for displaced people in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique. The little they had was left behind in the flight. Through perseverance, song and love they try to overcome the consequences of years of conflict, psychological trauma and harsh living conditions. Now they have to build a new home together.

Punishing the Professor

Dir : Aayna; 28 min; Documentary; India

P. Senrayaperumal was forced to drop out of school to play his part in the caste-bound genre of Raja Rani Attam theatre. He and his brothers spent their childhood playing female roles — enduring slurs, sexual harassment, and bearing the burden of tradition. At age 23, he made a desperate gamble to reclaim education all by himself, even while dancing through nights to survive. He did earn the education that he was systemically denied. He got a PhD on the folk tradition he had been practising, all the while holding on to the promise of higher education in the country. A promise that, in his case, was tragically short-lived.

My Radio My Life

Dir: Bidit Roy, Makarand Waikar; 01:08:00; India; Documentary; Competition

Set in the 21st century, the film revisits the golden era of radio in India, when it was the dominant, popular, and only source of entertainment, news, and knowledge. Being a medium that is heard across national borders, the radio has been instrumental in expanding horizons and enriching the lives of generations. Besides giving companionship to individuals, the radio brought families together and inspired people to make life choices.

We welcome you! Entry free!

For more details : 9843323153/ 6380043633 / 9442178974 / 9003392939

Ecology Film Festival, Chennai

ECOLOGY FILM FESTIVAL 2026

14 June; 10 am to 6 pm; Periyar Thidal, Chennai 

Curated by Amudhan RP

Organised by MARUPAKKAM & Periyar Self Respect Media 

Guest Speakers:

Ms. Geeta Ilangovan, filmmaker

Ms. Kavita, journalist 

Mr Amshan Kumar, filmmaker

Mr. Kumaresan, journalist

Mr. Amal Raj, filmmaker

Mr. Seenu Ramasamy, filmmaker

Mr. Ulaga Cinema Bhaskaran, filmmaker

Mr. Peter Durairaj, trade unionist

Schedule 

10 am to 1 pm 

Karma Gaabo Re

Dir: Shubham Neware; 47:00 min; Documentary; India

Spread across Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, the Baiga Tribe has seen its population decline over time. Displaced from their ancestral lands in the 1960s, they have struggled to preserve their traditions in a rapidly evolving world. Yet, deep in the villages of Lagma and Bandhatola, Madhya Pradesh. The echoes of their past still live on, woven into their songs, dances, and unwavering bond with nature.

Karma Gaabo Re, the documentary film offers a rare, intimate glimpse into the Baiga’s way of life, capturing their beliefs, rituals, and the deeper meaning behind their music and dance. More than just performances, these art forms are their way of storytelling, expressing joy, sorrow, and their connection to the land they revere. Film follows a raw, observational approach, unfolding the story naturally, coming from the Baiga itself, in their own rhythm.

“Karma Gaabo Re” means “Let’s sing karma” in English. Karma is a song sung by baiga tribe.

The Well

Dir: Balaji Maheshwar; 1:02:07 min; Documentary; India

In a remote tribal village, a community unearths an age-old well, reviving not just their water source but their deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties to nature. Bhaavi is an observational portrait of resilience, indigenous knowledge, and the fragile balance between humanity and ecology.

Located at the convergence of Eastern and Western Ghat mountain ranges, near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, lies the beautiful and pensive Solaganai tribal village. The Solagars are indigenous tribes who call the forests their home. But this home is without a dependable source of drinking water for most parts of the year, especially during the summer months. To bring one pot of drinking water, the people of Solaganai had to walk many miles, up and down hilly areas and down into the valley. For a scenic mountain hamlet, supposedly where springs and streams originate, this fate seemed ironic. This leads us to question our actions that disrupt ecological balance.

Dog Meat

Dir: Mel Andre; 39:00 min; Documentary; United States

This powerful documentary explores the heart-wrenching world of the dog meat industry, with a focus on the rising issue of pet dog kidnappings. Despite superstitions and myths that have perpetuated this practice, there is a growing movement dedicated to bringing about change. In "Dog Meat: Saving Our Best Friend," we meet courageous individuals, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits working tirelessly to end the practice of consuming dog meat in Southeast Asia. This compelling documentary takes viewers on a journey through the heartbreaking and often controversial world of the dog meat industry. The film explores the multifaceted issues surrounding the trade, from its historical roots to the modern-day challenges faced by those fighting to end it.

2 pm

Báaxpee: This Ground

Dir: Robin Starbuck; 29:42 min; Documentary; United States

Báaxpee: This Ground, is a lyrical and intimate documentary that traces the life and spiritual legacy of Ben Cloud, revered medicine chief of the Crow/Apsaalooke Nation and central figure in the sacred Sun Dance tradition. Far more than a portrait, the film becomes a living archive — a ceremonial act in itself — offering rare access to the inner world of the Apsáalooke as they carry ancient ritual into the twenty-first century. Merging personal memory with cultural transmission, Báaxpee: This Ground departs from conventional documentary form, embodying the quiet power and profound mystery of a spiritual practice rooted in land, lineage, and the unseen. Available with Spanish, German or Italian subtitles.

Bajau Laut - the Sea is our Home

Dir: Joo Peter; 1:10:00 min; Documentary; Malaysia

Their stilt houses are burnt down, their boats destroyed: indigenous people like the sea nomads in Malaysia are denied citizenship and passports as they are disenfranchised as stateless people. But centuries of history and the graves of their ancestors on the Malaysian islands are proof of their roots.

Inside the forest stands a watchtower

Dir: Biswajit Das; 15:39 min; Documentary; India

An art collective builds a watchtower in a human elephant conflict zone in Assam. But they have never seen an elephant in that area.

4 pm : Tea break

4.15 pm 

Fools' Paradise (lost?)

Dir: Alexandra Lexton; 1:38:00 min; Documentary; United States

How do we heal ourselves through reconnection to the natural world? How do we heal what is left of the wild – our own inner wild and the outer wild? Immersed in experiences recounted by writers, filmmakers, artists, environmentalists, adventurers, therapists, and political activists, we delve into scientific inquiry around topics such as personal action, sustainable business and life practices, nature therapies and how we need and use nature to regenerate ourselves.

Ecology Film Festival, Bengaluru

ECOLOGY FILM FESTIVAL 2026

Bhoomi Habba, Visthar, Bengaluru

Curated by Amudhan RP

Organised by MARUPAKKAM 

Schedule (yet to get the approval from the filmmakers)

10 am to 1 pm 

The Waves Will Never Stop

Dir: Kartik Sreenivasan, Sai Krishna L V, Sanjana Reddy; 10:00 min; Documentary; India

Twenty years after the 2004 Tsunami’s devastation in Bommayapalayam, Narayanan, a fisherman, carries vivid memories of that fateful morning- raging waves that shattered lives and swept away hundreds of homes in the village where he grew up. He and his crew continue to fish in those same waters, while the haunting ruins scattered along the shore linger silently, stuck in time. Amidst Narayanan's ventures into the sea each morning and his wife awaiting for his return at the shore, lies a quiet testament to hope and resilience, unfolding the community's enduring spirit

Kelad

Dir: Shruti Jagdale; 22:43 min; Documentary; India

The documentary explores Kelad, a serene village in the Vellha region, capturing its people’s daily struggles and deep rooted connection to rice farming. Surrounded by lush greenery and thick clouds, the village thrives in harmony with nature. Through resilience and simplicity, the film unveils Kelad’s essence, showcasing how the interplay of soil, water, air, fire, and sky shapes its unique spirit.

Even So (Phir Bhi)

Dir: Meghna Nandy; 16:02 min; Documentary; United Kingdom

In India, a country in the throes of a human-wildlife conflict crisis, a unique anomaly exists in the villages of the Charotar region of Gujarat. Here, people live in harmony with India’s largest freshwater predator - marsh crocodiles, or muggers. Charotar has had less than 10 attacks in the last 10 years even with growing populationsof both humans and muggers. But it’s a little more complicated than just tolerance.

Báaxpee: This Ground

Dir: Robin Starbuck; 29:42 min; Documentary; United States

Báaxpee: This Ground, is a lyrical and intimate documentary that traces the life and spiritual legacy of Ben Cloud, revered medicine chief of the Crow/Apsaalooke Nation and central figure in the sacred Sun Dance tradition. Far more than a portrait, the film becomes a living archive — a ceremonial act in itself — offering rare access to the inner world of the Apsáalooke as they carry ancient ritual into the twenty-first century. Merging personal memory with cultural transmission, Báaxpee: This Ground departs from conventional documentary form, embodying the quiet power and profound mystery of a spiritual practice rooted in land, lineage, and the unseen. Available with Spanish, German or Italian subtitles.

Dog Meat

Dir: Mel Andre; 39:00 min; Documentary; United States

This powerful documentary explores the heart-wrenching world of the dog meat industry, with a focus on the rising issue of pet dog kidnappings. Despite superstitions and myths that have perpetuated this practice, there is a growing movement dedicated to bringing about change. In "Dog Meat: Saving Our Best Friend," we meet courageous individuals, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits working tirelessly to end the practice of consuming dog meat in Southeast Asia. This compelling documentary takes viewers on a journey through the heartbreaking and often controversial world of the dog meat industry. The film explores the multifaceted issues surrounding the trade, from its historical roots to the modern-day challenges faced by those fighting to end it.

2 pm to 5 pm 

Inside the forest stands a watchtower

Dir: Biswajit Das; 15:39 min; Documentary; India

An art collective builds a watchtower in a human elephant conflict zone in Assam. But they have never seen an elephant in that area.

Blurred Boundaries : The Mishmi and the Forest

Dir: Imrana Khan; 13:18 min; Documentary; India

“Blurred Boundaries: The Mishmi and the Forests” is a documentary by Dusty Foot Productions for WCS-India and the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, exploring the deep connection between the Mishmi people, the forests, and the tigers they revere as kin. The film showcases how tradition and respect for nature can drive meaningful conservation.

Molai - Man behind the forest

Dir: Dhiraj Kashyap; 20:00 min; Documentary; India

Molai, also known as Jadav Payeng, is a committed environmental and forest activist and wildlife enthusiast from Kokilamukh in Jorhat, Assam. Over several decades, he has planted and tended for trees on the sandbar islet of Aruna Chapori, which lies between the mainland and the river island Majuli, transforming a vast area into a forest reserve since 1980. Jadav Payeng’s sprawling Molai Kathoni (Molai’s Woods) is now a thriving habitat to a large number of birds, animals and insects, including deers, tigers, rhinos, Asiatic buffaloes, monkeys, vultures, snakes, and more. The Molai Reserve, which covers approximately 550 hectares, is home to thousands of trees and more than 100 species of medicinal plants.

Thar: Sacred Groves and Waterscapes

Dir: Pranjal Joshi; 19:59 min; Documentary; India

In a world driven by instant gratification, the stories of communities in and around Orans offer a lasting reminder of the power of nurturing and protecting nature with love and respect. These communities understand that true rewards—such as peace—are beyond the reach of money and haste. Their legacy is the forest and all its wild inhabitants, cherished as vital to ecological balance. From shared groundwater wells that sustain over 100 households without ever being overdrawn, to community-led efforts in wildlife and water conservation, the people in western Rajasthan exemplify a profound, selfless commitment to preserving nature.

Nilgiris: Customs and Culturescapes

Dir: Pranjal Joshi; 19:59 min; Documentary; India

The people of the Nilgiris, nestled in the hills of Southern India, share a deep connection with their land. They have spent centuries understanding the nuances of nature, embracing age-old traditions passed down through generations. One such practice is beekeeping, an integral part of their lives that provides sustenance and forms a unique bond between the people and their environment.

Sundarbans: Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes

Dir: Pranjal Joshi; 18:15 min; Documentary; India

"Sundarbans: Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes” weaves stories of the natural heritage of the largest delta and mangrove forests of the world. In a naturescape where the ground beneath one's feet is constantly fleeting, the forests function as a space that gives generously and takes mercilessly. The confluence of endangered species and unpredictable livelihoods - is a tale that ties faith and ecology, resulting in coexistence amongst vulnerabilities.

Jar of Time

Dir: Nevena Semova; 27:25 min; Documentary; Bulgaria

One of the last nomadic Pomaks in Bulgaria search for the finest grazing fields for their cows and sell milk to support themselves. Even though dairy production regulations have made their livelihood illegal, the couple is dedicated to preserving their freedom.

Notre Paradis De Plastique I Our Plastic Paradise

Dir: Johann Vorster; 10:56 min; Documentary; South Africa

Set in the remote fishing village of Setté Cama in rural Gabon, Plastic Paradise follows Jean-François Fisher , operator of Setté Cama Adventure Fishing. With stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and a fragile dependence on eco-tourism, the village is a place of natural beauty and cultural resilience. But as vast quantities of plastic waste wash ashore, this delicate balance is thrown into crisis.