Documentary Release Function

Art and Thought (A Media Initiative of Youngsters in Chennai) in association with Bharathi Trust (An NGO working with the Irula Tribals in Tamil Nadu) and ActionAid (An anti-poverty agency) humbly invited special guests, special audience of Irula tribes from Cuddalore and Thiruvallur, Friends and Media partners for a documentary release function.

The documentary titled “The invisible” depicts the journey of the Irular tribal community towards securing their basic rights. 

The event took place on 17th December 2011at Holy Cross Brothers (Near AICUF, Loyola College).

The Special Guest were Dr. Uma Vangal (Film Critic and Teaching faculty at L.V.Prasad Film and TV Academy),Mr. Richard M. Nathan (Director of Photography, well known for his work in Kho, Angadi Theru and Banna Kathadi),Ms. Siddhamma (Social Activist, working with the Irula tribal community for over a decade),Ms. Esther Mariaselvam (Program manager, ActionAid Chennai) and Rev. Fr. Selvin Raj (All India Catholic University Federation – AICUF). 

The documentary Director, John F Romeo is an emerging alternative Film maker with an experience of directing four short films and two documentaries Far far away: untold story of forced eviction (Documentary). His aim is towards strengthening alternative media as a means for social transformation.  He is a well known street theatre artist and a trainer.

The Directory of Photography, Manikandan R Rajalakshmi is an Upcoming Cinematographer, His concern towards alternative medium and social transformation differentiates him from the mainstream technicians. He has 3 years of work experience in Bollywood. 

The Associate Director, Jose Fredrick is a  Documentary film makers known for his children based films and documentaries.  Well experienced editor who pursued his graduation in editing and direction. Well known for usage of innovative techniques in film making. The Assistant Director Jayaraj is an emerging story writer and assistant director. Experienced in Production Management and Events. Street Play artist and trainer. The Crew Members are Loyola Charles, Avinash Mani and Andrew. 

This crew has already been work on issues of the slum dwellers and their struggle and it is yet another initiative.  This initiative has expressed the conviction of the crew to work for the social issues. The documentary Release Function commenced with an musical tribute from the  Irular Tribal community who played the DOL (traditional music instrument). 

The Documentary film was screened to highlight the situation about the Rights of Livelihood, slavery (bonded labourers), Employment and Housing and Education. The invisible communities have become visible through the initiative of documentary film This crew has already been work on issues of the slum dwellers and their struggle and it is yet another initiative.  

This initiative has expressed the conviction of the crew to work for the social issues.The programme finally ended with a comment from one of the Irula community.  Mariamma, a woman from Irula community expressed her view at the end of the function. The support from ActionAid and Barathi Trust, has resulted in upliftment of the Irulars tribal through socio-economic and political empowerment. Action Aid India, Chennai Office is located at No -23, West Park Road,Chennai-30.