Dalit Bahujan Narratives at Vanam Art Festival
The Vaanam Art Festival is an intersectional activism, centred around Dalit existence. The month of April commenced the Dalit History Month with a showcase of Dalit aesthetics through various mediums including films, literature, and art. It honors the diverse aspects of Dalit culture and identity during the fifth edition of the Vaanam Art Festival. Brace yourself for a film festival, literature sessions, exhibitions, discussions, and theatrical performances.
Breaking Chains with Creativity: Dalit Art as a Tool for Liberation
Years ago, filmmaker Pa. Ranjith visited The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in the US, where he was amazed by its comprehensive portrayal of racial injustices alongside a celebration of the culture, lifestyle, and historical journey of African Americans. This motivated him to return to Chennai, India and bring about a wave of anti-caste art collectives to propagate their existence.
Celebrating the birth anniversary of the iconic Indian leader B.R. Ambedkar (April 14), the entire month is dedicated to recognizing Dalit identity and aesthetics. Although it started as a film festival, Vaanam Art Festival has now become a trove of exhibitions, performances, and workshop.
Vaanam Art Festival Location and Dates
Kicking off this fifth installment, Vaanam Art Festival was inaugurated on April 1 at Neelam Books, Egmore. The inaugural exhibition highlighted the contributions of Tamil Dalit leaders. The PK Rosy Film Festival was held from April 2 to 6 at Prasad Lab, Saligramam, where the viewers watched films directed by British filmmaker Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène (Black Girl).
Included in Vaanam Art Festival’s Ambedkarite symbolism is a two-day event for documentary and short films, running from April 4 to 6. Another event includes the Verchol Literary Festival, Muthamizh Peravai. The panelists include writer and historian Ramachandra Guha, who addressed the influence of right-wing political parties today and examined B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions.
At the mecca of intersectional activism, 48 panel discussions would embrace writers from five different languages. It was conducted on April 12 and 13. Carrying on the legacy of Vaanam Art Festival 2024, a writer will be honored with the Verchol Dalit Literary Award, which was presented to Tamil author Bama (Karukku).
Lalit Kala Akademu will also host the Curve Dalit Art and Aesthetics Exhibition and the Nitham Photo Exhibition from April 23 to 29. In a contemporary context where mainstream filmmakers like Gautham Vasudev Menon argue that the issues faced by the Dalit community are part of the past.
Vasugi Bhaskar Recalls Vaanam Art Festival
Vasugi Bhaskar, editor of Neelam Publications said to The Hindu, “When we began, the intention was never to make it seem like a ‘separate’ festival. It was to ensure that mainstream stages display the lives of Dalit people as is — beyond just the oppression lens. We tend to pick films that also showcase intersectionality including themes like feminism and marginalisation due to religion”
He added, “There is a difference between someone pitying an oppressed person to say ‘let him eat what he wants’, and finding justice in the food he consumes. When the layman understands this need for justice and stands with the oppressed, a cultural transition takes place. This is essential. It is why we need to revisit history. What better way to do it than art.”
Image Courtesy – The Hindu
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