A short film, “Unseen Meghalaya” which highlighted the glory of the living root bridges in the state has bagged the award for the best short documentary film award at the 14th Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF)
nseen Meghalaya — Journey into the unexplored living root bridges was produced by Canon India and directed by eminent filmmaker Sapan Narula.
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The short film showcases the living root bridges which are a part of an ancient natural heritage unique to North East India’s Khasi forests.
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The short film tells the tale of a strong bond between nature and a 24-year-old Khasi boy Morningstar Khongthaw, who is striving to protect and preserve the natural heritage of the state.
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Once these bridges were the lifeline of the tribal communities, but they are now in an existential threat due to modernisation, climate change and neglect.
But Khongthaw in the short film is seen taking steps himself to preserve and perpetuate the root bridges.
The bridges are believed to be sacred heritages of their ancestors.
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The bridges were built with indigenous techniques which were passed on over generations in this remote jungle wonderland.
The film has also been selected for screening at several prestigious film festivals around the world, including Cannes International Independent Film Festival (CIIFF) 2021 (nominee); Venice Shorts 2021 (Finalist); Switzerland International Film Festival (SIFF) 2021, Goa Short Film Festival 2021 among others.