A protest movement, especially one as big as the historic farmers’ protest that began in 2020, might not reveal all its strands when looked at from the frontlines. Much of the immediate reporting during the days of the protest, which was against a set of laws enacted by the Union government, focused primarily on the farmers’ demands, the oppressive tactics employed by the government, and the back-and-forth during meetings. However, Nishta Jain and Akash Basumatari’s documentary “Farming the Revolution,” now being screened in the Long Documentary competition category at the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), uncovers the intricacies beyond the headlines. The film offers a comprehensive look at how a movement of such magnitude sustained itself over years despite all the measures used to suppress it.
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary occurs months after the protest began. A protester compares the movement to a wide, deep river moving along calmly but holding within it the force of all the streams that joined along the way. This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the myriad contributions and the underlying strength of the protest.
Nishta, who has previously made acclaimed documentaries like “Gulabi Gang,” spent over a year at the protest sites, amassing more than 400 hours of footage. The 100-minute-long documentary is the product of this relentless endeavor. The film spends considerable time not just at the protest sites situated at Delhi’s entry points but also in the fields of Punjab and the homes of farmers. This provides an insight into the monumental task of convincing more people to join the movement. One of the significant discussions revolves around why more women should join to sustain the protest. Spurred by grassroots campaigns, entire families joined the protest en masse.
The documentary continually returns to certain characters to ground its narrative. One such character is a young farmer who was initially reluctant to join the protest. Eventually, he realizes the critical need for the movement, abandoning his dream of flying to Canada to participate wholeheartedly in the protest. Many senior citizens part of the protest speak about braving the inclement weather at Delhi’s borders because they believe repealing the anti-farmer laws is essential for future generations.
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In a bid to counter hostile coverage from much of the mainstream media, the farmers launched their own newspaper, distributed through their networks. This self-generated media coverage played a key role in ensuring the movement’s smooth operation, ultimately forcing the government to repeal the controversial laws.
In another touching segment, the documentary shows moments of camaraderie and solidarity, as farmers from different states of India come together, setting aside regional differences. The unity displayed at the protest sites is a testament to the collective will of a diverse group of people united by a common cause.
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of the protest either. Scenes of police brutality and tear-gassing counterpoint moments of peace and unity, reminding viewers of the immense toll the farmers had to endure. It is in these harsh truths that the documentary finds its voice, powerfully conveying the resilience and determination of the protestors.
“Farming the Revolution” also delves into the socio-economic backdrop that led to such widespread discontent among farmers. Interview segments with various experts illuminate the structural issues in Indian agriculture that the controversial laws exacerbated. By depicting the background, the film provides context to the viewers, helping them understand the gravity and urgency of the farmers’ plight.
Nishta and Akash’s documentary is not just a chronicle of events but a powerful narrative that captures the human spirit’s indomitable nature. It highlights how a historic movement managed to sustain itself through unity, perseverance, and grassroots mobilization, notwithstanding the oppressive measures deployed against it. Through “Farming the Revolution,” they have created a compelling and lasting document that views an epochal movement in its entirety. The documentary stands as a testament to the farmers’ courage and reminds us of the strength that lies in collective action and unwavering resolve.
In conclusion, “Farming the Revolution” is an essential lens through which to view one of the most significant social movements in recent history. It not only brings to light the immediate demands and struggles but also provides a deeper understanding of what it takes to sustain such a monumental movement over a prolonged period. This documentary is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unity in the pursuit of justice.
