Little Language Film Festival

Languages carry more than words. They hold songs, stories, myths, proverbs, poetry and the lived experiences of the communities that speak them. This film festival is more than a celebration of linguistic diversity. It is a reminder of what is at stake when a language disappears: an entire perspective and expression of the world. Across India, languages such as Tiwa, Kodava, Santhali, Kurmali, Kokborok and Sherdukpen are spoken by communities whose linguistic traditions are increasingly vulnerable. Globalisation and the dominance of economically powerful languages have accelerated this process, putting many lesser-spoken languages at risk of disappearing. This film festival brings together films in some of these near-forgotten languages, offering an opportunity to encounter their speakers, stories and worlds on their own terms. Alongside the screenings, the festival will bring together filmmakers, writers and others working with endangered languages for a conversation on their importance, impact and inheritance. Schedule Day 1 | Oct 10 | 11:30am – 5:30pm 11:30am – 11:45am: Opening Note 11:45am – 1:30pm: Sikaisal / If Only Trees Could Talk 104 minutes | Tiwa with English subtitles | 2022 | Bobby Sarma Baruah Directed by Bobby Sarma Baruah, Sikaisal won the NFA for Best Film in Tiwa language. It is based on the real-life struggles of Maheshwar Patar, a dedicated school teacher in Ulukunchi village of Assam. It highlights his determination to educate children in a remote community of North East India in the face of countless challenges. The film also won a Special Jury Mention at the 28th Kolkata IFF. 1:30pm – 3pm: Break 3pm – 5:30pm: Kherwal 125 minutes | Santali with English subtitles | 2023 | Uttam Kamati An acclaimed Santhali language film, Kherwal is directed and produced by Uttam Kamati. After the sudden death of the Norwegian Samuel, an academic Padre who was researching their tribal culture, Bidu strives to fulfill the Padre’s last wish: to be buried in the village. This sets off a poignant journey for Bidu’s young son, who is devastated as he wanted to travel to Norway with the academic. Kherwal uniquely features non-professional actors, including a local mobile repair shop owner as the lead character. The film has been celebrated on the festival circuit, winning awards at the Jaipur IFF and the IFF of Kerala. The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A. Day 2 | Oct 11 | 11:30am – 7pm 11:30am – 1pm: Panel discussion on Endangered Languages A conversation on the importance of endangered languages and the cultural worlds they hold. Filmmakers, writers and practitioners reflect on the challenges faced by lesser-spoken languages, and the ways in which they can be documented, nurtured and kept alive. 1pm – 2pm: Break 2pm – 4:30pm: Ber / The Root 125 minutes | Kodava with English subtitles | 2023 | Prakash Kariappa Ber was written, directed and produced by ex-service man Prakash Kariappa. The Kodava language film encapsulates the intricaci…