| Title | THE STORY OF KAVERI (AND EVERY RIVER EVERYWHERE) |
| Brand | REFORESTINDIA.IN |
| Product / Service | REFORESTATION |
| Category | A03. Online: Fiction |
| Entrant | EARLY MAN FILMS Mumbai, INDIA |
| Idea Creation | REFOREST INDIA Bangalore, INDIA |
| Name | Company | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Ayappa KM | Early Man Film | Partner |
| Anand Menon | Early Man Film | Partner |
| Tassaduq Hussain | Early Man Film | Cinematographer |
| Vinod Lal Heera Eshwer | reforestindia.in | Trustee |
Shot in stark black and white, the film brings to light the fact that the river is dying. The film has been created in three languages - Kodava Takk, Kannada and Tamizh - spoken by the people who live along it’s river banks, from origin to sea, as the river flows.
The government was planning two railway lines that would cut through the heart of the forests that feed the river, thus posing a serious threat. Environmentalists, Activists and citizens were up in arms, protesting to stop the train dead in its tracks. To add to the tension, the Supreme Court was to issue the verdict on the sharing of the river waters. Usually, a verdict over the sharing of Kaveri waters results in riots and deaths. The film, a message of unity and peace, was perfectly timed and released on Feb 16th, 2018- the day the verdict was announced. For the first time in history (114 years), there were no riots, no deaths.
The film was also aired at a mass public protest with about 10,000+ protestors. A few weeks later, one of the train projects was scrapped by the government. The other project is still on track and needs to be stopped to save the river. The film continues to grow in popularity because of its unique and long overdue message of peace.
The film celebrates creativity that turns content into culture by engaging the viewer with its compelling message and captivating execution.
The Kaveri River is the lifeline for millions in South India. Revered as sacred, it is regarded as a Mother goddess who descended on earth to save her children, from a demon who wrought drought and suffering. Thereafter, relentless deforestation, sand mining, construction along the banks and other activities have reduced the mighty river to a mere trickle in many places. Since 114 years, there have been countless disputes and deaths over the sharing of the river water. The film conveys a timely message that if we don’t stop fighting and unite to save the river, then there will be nothing left to fight over. The film hopes to end water wars. One tree at a time. The film lets the viewer decide how “The story of Kaveri” ends by placing the fate of the river in the hands of the viewer.