Title: Have you seen the arana? /
Authors: Bhat, Sunanda,; Sahi, Saumyananda, 1986-; Songline Films,
Year: 2013
Subjects: Economic development Environmental aspects India Wayanad.; Rural development Environmental aspects India Wayanad.; Traditional farming Economic aspects India Wayanad.; Economic development Environmental aspects; Rural development Environmental aspects; Traditional farming Economic aspects; India Wayanad (District)
Abstract: The film interweaves contemporary narratives with an ancient tribal myth to explore the effects of a rapidly changing landscape on lives and livelihood. Set in Wayanad, [Kerala], part of a rich and bio-diverse region in South India, we journey through a region that is witnessing drastic transformation in the name of 'development.' A woman's concern over the disappearance of medicinal plants from the forest, a farmer's commitment to growing traditional varieties of rice, organically and a cash-crop cultivator's struggle to survive amidst farmers' suicides, offer fresh insights into shifting relations between people, knowledge systems and environment. Hills flatten, forests disappear and traditional knowledge systems are forgotten, the film reminds us that this diversity could disappear forever, to be replaced by monotonous and unsustainable alternatives.