---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Samadrusti Televisions <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 9:55 AM Subject: Niyamgiri Film on DVD/VCD To:
Dear Friends After two years of hard work our film on Niyamgiri (the mountain of law) is now complete and was released on 1st June 08 at a small gathering in Lohia Academy. The film is divided into two parts named 1. Struggle for Democracy and 2. Development & Devastation. The first part is about the forceful land acquisition in Lanjigarh for the alumina factory, the role of state, mafia presence and political patronage as well as the resolution of the Dongria Kondh tribals of Niyamgiri who claim not to leave the mountain even if they are beheaded. The second part is what has happened since the factory came up - the pollution, the loss of livelihood, accidents, trafficking of women, and unimaginable terror. The film is a major expose of the state govt and central govt and more so of the company. After the first screening on Sunday Debjit Sarangi of Living farms said "The film shatters all notions about the pre dominant development paradigm and should be seen by as many people as possible". We haven't been funded by anyone to make this film and it was possible only through small donations and loans from friends. The only way to repay back and continue making films is by ensuring bulk orders of the film from institutions who are supportive of the cause of Niyamgiri. We request you to buy at least 10 copies of the film. It is 96 min long and available on DVD and CDs. The film costs Rs.1000/- per copy for instituions, Rs. 750/- for individuals and we don't have a choice but to give it for free to people who cant afford it like the tribals. In fact the more orders we get the more free copies we can distribute in villages so please do order for as many copies as you can! We would like to mention that our last film PANI (WAR FOR WATER) on the diversion of water from the Hirakud reservoir to industry (including Vedanta's aluminium smelter) was a major factor in the success of a farmer's movement against it. The film was screened in all the villages that were to be affected by the diversion of water and not less than another 10,000 people joined the movement after watching the film (as claimed by senior activists). The success of PANI motivates us to carry a similar exercise for Niyamgiri. We request you to buy copies of PANI film which is priced at Rs. 500/- per copy. The film is 25 min long and is a short essay on the farmers struggle to save their water and also for the first time the voice of those displaced by the Hirakud dam fifty years ago has been captured in the film. Looking forward to hear from you. Thank you. Best wishes, Surya Shankar Dash, Filmmaker, Samadrusti TV P.s. A preview of the Niyamgiri film is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3sNFrU9qJc a preview of War for Water is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZRu0hHstpw
