Film on Naga music, 'Songs of the Blue Hills' enthrals IFFI 2014 Goa audience

“Songs of the Blue Hills”, a 96-minute documentary film on contemporary and folk music of the Nagas directed by Assamese journalist and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari enthralled a packed audience here at International Film Festival of India here at INOX2, Panaji, Goa on Saturday.
The film was screened along with another interesting documentary film titled “An American in Madras” directed by Karan Bali. The film dealt with the life and times of an American-born filmmaker Ellis R. Dungan’s experience with making Tamil films between1935-50.

However, the day belonged to “Songs of the Blue Hills” by Borpujari as the film skillfully negotiates the variegated music culture of the Nagas and their negotiation with the acquired western musical tastes and forms.

The film has already been screened in various international festivals and had been produced by Girish Joshi for the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Union Ministry of Culture.



What made the film distinct was the not only the ethnographical description of the sound and music inherent within each of the tribes in Nagaland. While documenting the musical culture, the directors have ably researched the folk forms albeit the emerging trend of folk-fusion successfully experimented by the Nagas. The film also highlights the debate over the notion of preservation and emerging views of the dynamics of the folk form in accommodating and seamlessly fusing with western modern musical forms.

“Songs of the Blue Hills” also brings out the anxiety of the old guards when they truthfully express their views on why the pristine folk form should not be diluted. The film represents the voices of prominent music personalities of the state including veteran Ao folk singers Sademmeren Longkumer and A. Bendangyanger Tsuwar Jamir, Chakhesang folk veteran Zachunu Keyho, classical pianist Nise Meruno and groups like the Tetseo Sisters, the Nagaland Singing Ambassadors, the Chancel Choir, Ru’a, Üsou’s Instrumental, Abiogenesis, Nagagenous, Baptist Youth Choir Poilwa Village and Purple Fusion.

There are also expert views put forth by Lipokmar Tzudir, Gugs Chishi, Theja Meru, Vivee Peseye, Som Kamei, Zubeno Mozhui and Dr Abraham Lotha, all know for contributing their parts in keeping the flames of music alive in Nagaland in ways they think are the right path.

~Nagaland Post