Meiram the Fireline, a Documentary of Punshilok Forest
I had the opportunity to speak with James Khagembam, a filmmaker, and asked him a few simple questions about his debut film "Meiram the Fireline", a documentary on Punshilok, a forest in Manipur, a northeastern region of India, here's what he shared
I had the opportunity to speak with James Khagembam, a filmmaker, and asked him a few simple questions about his debut film "Meiram the Fireline", a documentary on Punshilok, a forest in Manipur, a northeastern region of India, here's what he shared
How did you come to know about Punsilok Forest ?
Manipur is a small state in India with a geographical size of just 0.68 of the total size of India. However it is home to 2.1 percent of the total forest area of India. But the forest cover were fast depleting due to Human Ignorance and climate change was impacting the State. And I happen to came across the story of a young man Moirangthem Loiya who along with his friends were selflessly conserving a hilltop forest at the periphery of Imphal City. When I approach them for a news story, I was invited to the forest for an interview. After I file the story I was inspired by them and joined their environmental activity. The hilltop is seven kilometres away from my home.
How did you make the film ?
Spending quality time at the forest in the company of Moirangthem Loiya was enriching. The world of trees and plants unfolds in front of my eyes and I gather interesting wisdoms about the trees, their identity often differentiated by different patterns on their leaves and barks. My affection for the forest also grew by the voluntary works I dedicated myself towards the forest. The corners in the forest were becoming familiar. Far from the madding crowd the quietness and accommodating nature of the green trees became a trustworthy friend until I finally decided to make a documentary film on it. It took me three and half years of film shooting as I waited for all four seasons. I also observe the nature of wild fire, intervention and the precautionary measure all of which are reflected in my film. My passion in film making and the thirst for giving the best of my ability in making the film a good one was the driving force of the film I am presenting to my audience today.
