‘Baniabeen ki Kashti’ set to make waves at Goa film fest
The short film ‘Baniabeen ki Kashti’ has been selected for screening at the prestigious International Goa Film Festival, scheduled for November. Written and directed by Dr Sanjeev Attri, the 10-minute film carries a powerful message on water conservation, using the natural charm and playful energy of child actors to weave a compelling story.
Set in Nourangabad, a village in Sirmaur district, the film revolves around the mischievous adventures of Baniabeen, a seventh-grade student, and his group of friends. The group’s playful mischief contrasts sharply with the village’s serious issue of water scarcity, a crisis that becomes the backdrop for their story. This unique blend of documentary and experimental filmmaking makes Baniabeen ki Kashti a standout selection for the film festival.
Dr Sanjeev Attri, currently the Principal of Tokiyo School in Sirmaur, previously served as headmaster at the Government High School, Nourangabad, where the film was shot.
The film’s creation was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from local teachers Beena Jain, Shalini Verma, Poonam and Vijay Kumari, reflecting the close-knit community spirit of the village.
The story begins when Baniabeen and his friends, more focused on fun than studies, learn to make paper boats from their teacher, who fondly recalls playing with boats in her childhood. Eager to replicate the experience, the children are faced with a sobering reality — there is no water in the village for them to sail their boats. Streams have dried up and ponds have been replaced by concrete developments, making water a rare and precious commodity.
In their desperation, the children resort to using a dirty drain and even attempt to steal water from their homes, only to be reprimanded by their parents.
Their struggle leads them to a creative solution, one that combines ingenuity with a deeper understanding of the value of water. The climax of the film, though humorous, carries a crucial message about the lengths to which they must go to sail their boats, symbolising the dire consequences of water shortages.
In an innovative and poignant twist, Baniabeen and his friends create a long makeshift channel from cut bamboo stalks.
They then plan to drink lots of water before bed, vowing to save their urine until morning to fill the bamboo channel and sail their boats. This humorous yet touching resolution highlights not only the children’s determination but also serves as a poignant commentary on the importance of water conservation.
The film ends on a hopeful note, with the friends successfully sailing their boat using their unconventional method. Their joy is a testament to human resourcefulness in the face of adversity and a reminder of the critical need to preserve water for future generations.
Dr Sanjeev Attri’s work underscores the potential of regional cinema to tackle global issues through simple and relatable stories. The film’s selection for the International Goa Film Festival is a testament to its universal message and it is sure to resonate with audiences far beyond Nourangabad.
As the film prepares for its debut on the international stage, it stands as a reminder that even the smallest stories can have a profound impact when told with sincerity and creativity. Baniabeen ki Kashti is not just a film about water conservation; it is a heartwarming narrative that highlights the creativity, resilience and spirit of children in the face of real-world challenges.
