Description
Meet the Filmmaker: Vinit Parmer
“Living River: The Ganges”
Date: Monday, February 27 , 2012
Location: NY NATAS, 1375 Broadway (between 37thand 38thStreets), Suite 2103
Reception: 6:00-6:30 PM ~ Program: 6:30-8:00 PM
*Free to NY NATAS Members!
$15 for those without current NY NATAS membership.
People believe the Ganges River in India washes away sins, cleans the soul and nourishes the spirit. The river is more polluted now than it ever was in its history, yet it supports the lives of 400 million people every day. The film follows the hopes of activists to reveal a trail of sickness, cancer and death.
LIVING RIVER penetrates deeper than the river’s murky waters into a controversy riddled with denial, disbelief, and damage: 25 years of delays and excuses that pollute the river and choke the nation. This is the Indian clean-up plan that was abandoned by the Indians; a river forsaken by the very Indians who believe in its sacred powers. What is the price of saving a 5,000‐year old culture based around river? What is the price of saving the Ganges?
Employing a clever mix of observational style cinéma-vérité, investigative journalism, and formal documentary narrative, LIVING RIVER contrasts the true beauty of the river with the ecological scourge of industrial wastewater pouring into the river. Aggressive and visually stunning images uncover the failures of government programs and illustrate how unwitting illegal practices by local businessmen contribute to the rampant pollution.
LIVING RIVER’s exploration of mythological Hindu beliefs on the ancient sacred waters and the important role of the cow in Indian society are pivotal counterpoints to the river’s pollution and the slaughter of cows for its skin. As economic prosperity surmounts religious beliefs, the film deftly illustrates how Indian low‐wage laborers learn to survive at the cost of forsaking their religious beliefs. The film offers unexpected stories, from the tanning industry to the life of Hindu priests, to illustrate how economic gain trumps age‐old religious practices. Throughout the exploration, LIVING RIVER raises questions of accountability, failing government programs, and encourages us to consider how rivers may be managed.
About the Filmmaker:
Vinit Parmar:Assistant Editor, Camera Operator, Cinematographer/DP, Director, Sound Mixer. Assistant Professor Vinit Parmer began his film work as a sound mixer in New York in the mid-1990s after an established legal career. He enjoys teaching Film Production courses as a full-time faculty member in the Film Department at Brooklyn College as part of the City University of New York.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED DUE TO BUILDING SECURITY. ALL NAMES MUST BE ON GUEST LIST. Please RSVP via email info@nyemmys.org to reserve a seat.Please write “Living River” in the subject line. Space is limited.
Producer & Moderated by Sumner Jules Glimcher.