Screening 1; Second Birth by Arun Mozhi

From Wiki

Second Birth by Arun Mozhi

This documentary film portrays the life of an Aravani (Transgender person) in the Dindigul area of Tamilnadu.The film moves in such a way that a researcher stars his journey to study about the aravani community,finds one called Sharavanan,lives with her and understands the life of Aravani.The film has succeeded to cover the adoption of a newcomer into their community,their rituals of nivan (self castration),40 days ritual called as Paal Sadangu, language, folk songs, dance, their occupation,Badha ( Shop begging) and more importantly their diety ,Bahuchara Mata. It also beautifully portrays their emotions in such situations of loneliness and likings.

Arun Mozhi is a well known filmmaker,from”Film and Television Institute of India” ,Chennai. He has worked as an associate to well known directors for a couple of films like “Avalappadithan” by Rudraiah,”Ezhavathu Manithan”. His documentaries “yer-Munai” has entered in the International film Festival of Edinburgh and Kolkata Film Festivals (1989).”Kanninilam”(1986) entered the International Film Festival – London (1987),West Germany (1987),Jerusalem(1988) and Burkino FASO (1988).

Date: April 21, 2006

Venue: Indian School of Folklore (Academic wing of National Folklore Support Centre)
National Folklore Support Centre No:505, V floor, 96 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034