Docu-film on Nagaland music unveiled at 77th Cannes Film Festival

DIMAPUR: Music legend AR Rahman, along with adviser to Nagaland chief minister, Abu Metha, and chairman of Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Nagaland Theja Meru unveiled a documentary film on Nagaland music titled Headhunting to Beatboxing at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in France on Monday (May 20).

Headhunting to Beatboxing, directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by AR Rahman, delves into the intriguing journey of rhythm and sound, charting music’s growth through generations.

From the ancient traditions of headhunting tribes of Nagaland to the musical renaissance in the state, the documentary promises to take audiences on an immersive and enlightening musical anthropological odyssey.

While talking about the feature documentary, Rahman said, “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence.”

He said Headhunting to Beatboxing is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions.

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“We look forward to the start of its film festival journey, and what better than Cannes which celebrates cinema to make the first announcement on the film,” Rahman added.

Metha said the film is a collaboration of many creative minds, especially the TaFMA and masterfully captured by director Rohit Gupta.

“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,” he said.

Metha also highlighted Nagaland and its unique aspects to the international audience present at the launch of film.

He thanked Rahman for his role in supporting and partnering with Nagaland. He said the young Naga musicians are very fortunate to be guided and mentored by a legendary figure.

“His contributions and partnership, especially by adopting an orphanage to empower them through music is commendable,” Metha added.

“Five years in the making, the journey of this film has been a sort of metamorphosis for me. The rich and vibrant music today, transcending the scars of the past is something that truly blew me away during the making. I am excited to see audiences witness our hard work and the magic that exists in the music of Nagaland,” said director Gupta.