A Letter From India

In Mattancherry, a place that is 5 square km give or take, a stone's throw away from Fort Kochi in Kerala, there live 39 communities from all around the country, and a few from across the high seas, who have resided together, side by side, for over 500 years. They came here for different reasons, in different times, but they all stayed for the collective reality that was far better than any dream could convey. This is the story of Mattancherry, a place where the idea of India comes alive like no place else.

Biju Ibrahim has spent two years as a resident artist of Uru Art Harbour documenting the 39 different communities that live together in the 5 square km of Mattancherry. The project was inspired and mentored by Riyas Komu.

Writing & Direction | Naveed Mulki
Cinematography, Direction & Edit | Shaktiraj Singh Jadeja
Photographs | Biju Ibrahim
Narration | C.F. John
Storyboard Artist | Pankaj Singh

Special Thanks to
Riyas Komu, Zoya Riyas, Sharhad Haneef, Shahabaz Aman, Baiju Natarajan, Abhayan, Aneesh Hussain, K J Sohan, Shanavas PP & Faiz Bava.

Special Thanks to
Uru Art Harbour
Islamic Art Heritage Art Gallery
Serendipity Art Festival 2017
The Kochi Bienalle Foundation
Biju Ibrahim

Special thanks to The Incredible People of Mattancherry.

A film originally made for @FarawayOriginals

[sahelirajasthan]

A stunningly beautiful presentation, words and imagery are heartfelt and tell simply a story of the best aspects of being human .. real life, love, hope and good deeds, the willingness to work, welcome strangers and to live together, for the good of all. The artists have made a very fine piece of work and an important historical record that touches hearts and throws a light on the past that can guide us all to a positive future. Thankyou. I hope this has been, and will go on being, widely shown and awarded the praise it deserves.

[samchini]

This is awesome. I lived the first 21 years of my life in mattancherry. So beautifully captured. Heart touching. Thank you