Ruhi Hamid & Misha Maltsev

The VIBGYOR film festival is one of the most special festivals we have attended. It is not just a film festival but a place where filmmakers, artists, musicians and activists can meet and exchange ideas on issues that matter. The strength of it lies in the fact that it has an alternative atmosphere steeped within the grassroots of communities; it has an organic feel that allows for anything to happen. Today, it was very moving to see and hear the group of demonstrators from NGIL who came into the auditorium to highlight their fight against the foreign corporation that is polluting their river and the environment. They were respectful and were treated with dignity by the festival organizers and this is the essence of this festival that sets it apart from others.

Ruhi Hamid speaks at ViBGYOR

We have found people to be very receptive to the films being shown. It has reaffirmed our view that documentary films are an important and an intrinsic tool of bringing about social change. It is refreshing to see local grassroots activist groups able to bring their issues and plights to a forum that is accommodating. The conference that is taking place alongside is also provoking thinking and debate. We salute the organizers and the local communities for supporting such an event.

18.02.2010