SHILLONG: The vision and intelligence of the indigenous people of Khasi-Pnar was depicted in the documentary film entitled, “U Thied Ka Lawei (Sustainable Root)”, directed by Randolph V. Langstieh. The film was screened at the Asian Confluence, Conference Hall, followed by a panel discussion.
The film focuses on the traditional method of bridge construction. The profundity of the documentary owes to the engineering feat of the inhabitants of Shiliang Jashar village.
Nature is always seen as the teacher, guardian and guide of the Khasis, which bestows upon all the co-existents their behavioral abilities.
This culture comes to life as the film succeeds in capturing the magnificence of nature in the village.
The discourse of the documentary expressed in its narrative and music melting into the visuals, authenticate the 21-minute film. The documentary provokes the consciousness of the interdependency of Khasi-Pnar community with the environment.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion comprising Ian Khongmen, ICARE president Toki Blah and Randolph Langstieh, who is also a faculty member in St Edmund’s College.
Randolph introduced his crew members comprising his students from St Edmund’s College, particularly Ricky Paliar, who is the editor and the person behind the camera.
The discussion was opened to the audience coming from various backgrounds.
Thereon, the discussion turned into an awareness of the wisdom of the Khasi ancestors. The knowledge of a young boy working and demonstrating the architecture of the root-bridge was featured. “The discussion led to the realisation how Government schemes have caused destruction to natural bridges, which were replaced by concrete,” an observed said.
