About 120 villagers in Jalsindhi face a stark choice: relocate to distant slums, accept inadequate compensation, or remain and drown as the Narmada dam fills.
Synopsis
About 120 villagers in Jalsindhi face a stark choice: relocate to distant slums, accept inadequate compensation, or remain and drown as the Narmada dam fills.
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Synopsis
Luharia Sonkaria, the medicine man of Jalsindhi, faces a dire choice as the Sardar Sarovar Project threatens to submerge his village in Madhya Pradesh. With no viable alternatives offered by the government, villagers must decide between relocating to distant resettlement sites or remaining in their homes as the Narmada River rises. Over three years, the film documents hunger strikes, rallies, and a lengthy Supreme Court battle, featuring activist Arundhati Roy, who brings international attention to their plight.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Luharia Sonkaria's fight for his village.
- Find out how the government responded to villagers' protests.
- Meet Arundhati Roy and learn about her activism.
Did You Know
- Luharia Sonkaria is the medicine man in Jalsindhi, a role passed down for generations.
- The government offered villagers unusable land a hundred miles away as compensation.
- Franny Armstrong shot 80% of the film herself over three years.
- In August 2003, about 120 villagers attended the film screening in Jalsindhi.
- Drowned Out was released on DVD in 2004 and is available for streaming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Drowned Out?
Drowned Out was directed by Franny Armstrong.
What is the main subject of Drowned Out?
The documentary follows the villagers of Jalsindhi in Madhya Pradesh as they oppose the Sardar Sarovar Project, which threatens to destroy their home and village.
What year was Drowned Out released?
Drowned Out was released in 2002.
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