Conceptualised as an experiment, Deen is a film made by combining haggard pieces of film found in the alleys of chor bazaar (the thieves market) of Mumbai. The historical surprises contained within helped slowly bring about a context to the narrative. Made as an attempt to comment on power dynamics and the role they continue to play in India’s political structure, Deen reflects on how India has evolved and questions where it might be going.

The film was made as part of a project called ‘Caffenol 7266’, a collaboration with artist and rapper Sofia Ashraf. All the films use celluloid as a medium, using hand developing techniques and found footage. The films are meant to be played off our 16mm projector with Sofia performing live. The process of making was chosen keeping in mind the importance of keeping the work ‘homespun’, the thought ‘honest’ and to bring the labour of making into the visuals, hopefully making conscious meaning of the work.

This is a digital compromise.

Film by: Tanya Dixit, Edited by: Tanya Dixit, Ritika Dwivedi, Produced by: Harkat Studios, Made at: The Harkat Lab, Vocals: Sofia Ashraf, Malavika Manoj, Composer: Sapta, Violins: Shravan Shridhar

Available until 10 May 2021