Tasveer Reels
Urban Narratives
Wednesday June 16th, 2004, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
402 9th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
cost: $7
Two stunning and soulful films explore finding the human spirit amidst the urban chaos. This is the World Premiere of Tapasya: a life’s work. Filmed in Japan and India, Tapasya’s post-production took place in Seattle with the assistance of Tasveer. Rasikan Re (O Lover of Life) is an urban story, but the filming style is inspired by the Ragamala, a tradition in Indian Moghul miniature painting that attempts to visualize music.
Rasikan Re (Pooja Kaul, India, 2002, 33min)
Rasiken Re (O Lover of Life) is an urban story about the cautious attraction between a young girl, Madhu, and her 40-year-old neighbor Kedar. The film–inspired by the Ragamala, a tradition in Indian Moghul miniature painting that attempts to visualize music–explores a young woman’s desire, the correlation between art, music and life, and the rhythm of urban India.
Pooja Kaul’s storytelling style is quiet, yet powerful; modern, yet respects Indian traditions of music, art, and culture. The framing of shots, use of color, and poetry takes the viewer on a soulful journey. – Farah Nousheen
Tapasya: A Life’s Work (J Baab, USA/Japan/India, 2004, 30min)
WORLD PREMIER
Working in a faraway metropolis in Tokyo, two Indians have much to think about after awaking with the previous night’s dream still fresh in mind. The vibrant realism of India is set against the black and white city as Kavita and Amit consider the meaning of their epic dreams. The questions of work and identity as well as life as prayer surface while the dream takes on qualities more lifelike than the city.
Director and Crew will be present! Tapasya post-production work took place in Seattle. Jonathan (J Baab) contacted Tasveer when he returned from his travels in Japan and India last year. He asked for assistance with post-production. Rita Meher, Sneha Mathan, and Raj Luke helped out with Hindi translations and voice overs. Its a beautiful film that we are very excited and proud to world premiere in Seattle.
Director Biography
J Baab has lived in Seattle, Sweden, India and Japan. Tapasya: a life’s work was Baab’s first film at age 21. He works in motion graphics and photography, and currently is a videographer and editor for UW athletics.