Film Lens
Nani Ma tells the story of Musamoni Panigrahi, known as 'Nani Ma', set in pre-independent rural India in Balasore, Odisha. Born in the 1920s, her life is intertwined with local folklore and folk songs, which she narrates, representing the oral traditions of her community. The film captures the historical context of her life, including the effects of colonization and Brahminical patriarchy, as well as the Orissa famine of 1866 that resulted in nearly 5 million deaths.
The documentary features insights from three academics: Damayanti Beshra, PhD, a Padma Shri awardee; Panchanan Mohanty, PhD, a linguist; and Laxmikanta Tripathy, PhD, DLitt, an anthropologist. They discuss the sociolinguistic diversity of the region and the importance of oral history in a society where formal writing often dominates. Nani Ma's personal narrative and the broader historical themes create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Why Watch
- •Meet Musamoni Panigrahi, a unique oral storyteller.
- •Discover the impact of the 1866 Orissa famine.
- •Learn about Odisha's rich folklore traditions.
Did You Know
•Musamoni Panigrahi, known as 'Nani Ma', was born in the 1920s.
•The Orissa famine of 1866 claimed nearly 5 million lives.
•Damayanti Beshra is a Padma Shri awardee featured in the film.
•The documentary has a runtime of 35 minutes.
Perfect For
Folklore enthusiastsHistory buffsCultural studies scholars