In a significant event at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the Bharat Pavilion witnessed the unveiling of the first look and teaser of AR Rahman’s latest venture, a captivating feature documentary titled ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’. The documentary, directed by Rohit Gupta and produced by the celebrated Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman, delves into the enthralling journey of rhythm and sound, tracing music’s evolution through diverse countries, tribes, and generations.
Speaking at the launch, Rahman shared his perspective on the documentary’s theme and importance. “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions. 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,” he said, emphasizing his excitement and the documentary’s significance.
The documentary promises an immersive and enlightening experience, taking audiences from the ancient traditions of headhunting tribes to the modern-day musical renaissance. It’s positioned as a musical anthropological odyssey that will not only entertain but will also educate viewers about the intricate and deeply-rooted connections between music and human culture.
The launch event was graced by several dignitaries, including AR Rahman himself, director Rohit Gupta, and executive producers Abu Metha and Theja Meru. Abu Metha, who serves as an Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, revealed the origin of the documentary’s concept. “The germ of the idea came up when AR Rahman visited Nagaland to be part of the legendary Hornbill Festival. We knew we had to be part of it. The film is a collaboration of many creative minds, especially the TaFMA, and it is 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,” Metha said.
Rohit Gupta, the director, expressed his deep sense of fulfillment and excitement about the project’s completion.
. “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,” Gupta added, reflecting on the documentary’s long and meticulous creation process.
‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ marks AR Rahman’s second major venture into filmmaking as a producer, following his earlier production, ’99 Songs’. The production of this documentary gathered an impressive line-up of executive producers, including Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, and Rohhit Daas. Each of these individuals has brought their unique expertise to the table, contributing to the robust and thorough documentation of music’s journey through history and across geographies.
The festival’s audience is eagerly anticipating the documentary’s full release, given its ambitious scope and Rahman’s reputation for excellence. The teaser showcased at Cannes hinted at the diverse musical styles and influences the documentary covers, from primal tribal rhythms to contemporary beatboxing, illustrating the universal language of music and its enduring impact on human societies.
In conclusion, ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ seeks to offer a rich narrative that not only tracks the evolution of music but also celebrates its unifying force across different cultures and epochs. Rahman’s dedication to capturing this journey through sound and rhythm underlines his belief in music’s innate power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. As the film embarks on its journey through various film festivals, starting with Cannes, it promises to strike a chord with audiences worldwide, inviting them to explore a shared musical heritage that binds us all in an intricate tapestry of auditory experiences.
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