Kohima: ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’, a groundbreaking documentary produced by Oscar and Grammy awardee AR Rahman, is set to make its debut at the UK Asian Film Festival in London next month.
The film, which vividly portrays Nagaland‘s transition from tribal warfare to musical renaissance, will be screened at BFI Southbank on May 3 at 2:30 pm.
Directed by Rohit Gupta, the documentary delves deep into the transformative power of music within this northeastern Indian state, a region that has undergone a profound evolution from its past as a volatile territory to its present vibrant cultural landscape.
It follows the evolution of rhythm and sound through generations in Nagaland, situated in India’s remote northeastern frontier.
Reflecting on the film’s message, AR Rahman shared his perspective during its initial unveiling at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival in May of the preceding year, stating, “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. This documentary is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions.”
The documentary has already garnered positive reception at the Melbourne Film Festival during its world premiere in August 2024, where Rahman received the Excellence in Cinema Award.
Abu Metha, the Adviser to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, who was present at both the Cannes unveiling and the Melbourne premiere, underscored the documentary’s crucial role in showcasing Nagaland’s rich cultural identity. He remarked, “The real heroes are the musicians of Nagaland, who tell stories that go back to times immemorial and their music exemplifies the ambition of our youth.”
This project represents Rahman’s second significant foray into film production, following his earlier work on “99 Songs.” The film’s executive producers include Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, and Rohhit Daas.
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Featuring the talents of Imliakum Aier, Jonathan Angami, and the band Purple Fusion, “Headhunting to Beatboxing” offers a window into Nagaland’s diverse tribal heritage.
