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‘Shadows of Tehri’ details demolition of ‘drowned’ Indian city
Zach Ganschow, Producer
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There was a city in India called Tehri, established upon the banks of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana Rivers. This city came into existence as a traveling king’s horse came to rest upon a hill, refusing to go any farther, therefore establishing Tehri as his new kingdom. Over time, the kingship government turned into a people’s council, with the culture of Tehri thriving throughout its growth. That vibrant city is now rubble submerged under the river it used to gaze upon.
ZACH GANSCHOW/THE ARBITER Dutta speaks with attendees at Mondays screening at the Visual Arts Collective.
On Monday night, the Visual Arts Collective hosted the showing of the film “Shadows of Tehri.” Anirban Dutta, a media educator, social activist and photographer based in Dehli, India, directed the film. He was brought to Boise State as part of the Art Department’s Visiting Artist and Scholars Program, and will be speaking in a free, public lecture Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Simplot Ballroom A.
The film “Shadows” is a documentary peering into the spirit of “Old Tehri.” The adjective “old” has been added because the government has attempted to recreate the town with “New Tehri,” located in a distant region, far removed from any water body. Anirban was originally requested by the Uttaranchal government to create a documentary of the construction the Tehri Dam, a movie to be used to promote the project.
“I did not make the film they wanted me to make. The government wanted to show how great their dam was,” Dutta said. “I made this film for the people losing their homes.”
“Shadows” is a visual journey carried by testimonies of various elders who lived there, as well as traditional folk music from the region. The audience is immersed in the environment of Old Tehri, with stunning scenes of musicians performing atop the ruins of their city. Their colorful instruments and clothes stand in stark contrast to the remnants of weakened towers and faded walls. The film was shot during the “deconstruction” of the city.
Bulldozers were brought into level structures, from homes to businesses and schools. The footage strolls through the ruined streets that appear obliterated as if by a great war or natural disaster. However, this damage was intentional and forced citizens to leave because there was little left.
“It was a window to a place I would never have seen in America, the imagery was amazing,” said Willow Socia, a fine arts major. “America is a small portion of the world, but so unaware of places like this.”
The premier of “Shadows” was first shown in New Tehri, where many “Old Tehri” residents were relocated.
“I felt connected, even though I have never been to this place,” Tudor Mitroi, art instructor said. “The atmosphere was beautiful, but scary.”
Anirban said about 600 people came out to watch the film and see their history.
“They were talking the whole time saying ‘that’s my house, there’s my shop!’ It was funny and painful,” he said. “They were asking me if I could get still photos from the movie for them to have one last picture of their home.”
Before he became interested in social activism, Dutta’s media background began with producing commercials and items for television.
“I wanted to do something more radical with my work, to focus on smaller communities. The people who usually make the noise are the ones with money and power,” Dutta said.
Currently, Dutta’s work is focusing on the drug use and H.I.V. problems in the north-eastern states of Nagaland and Manipur. He is collaborating with artists and media professionals to produce visual essays and documentaries. His past work is a catalog ranging from childrens’ rights to environmental issues and other topics of health and society.
All community members are welcome to attend Dutta’s lecture at 6 p.m. in the Simplot Ballroom in the SUB. For information on Duttas work, visit his Web site www.inmetamorphosis.com.