I cannot give you my forest is a documentary directed and produced by filmmakers- Nandan Saxena and Kavita Bahl. It has received the National Film Award for Best Environment Film in 2014.
Filmed in the forests of Odisha, 'I cannot give you my forest' is a window into the lives of the Kondh 'adivasis'.
The growing of food is witnessing a violent transformation worldwide.
Wanton contamination of land and introduction of GMOs threaten both life
and health.
Today, Corporations are preparing for a fresh onslaught on our food in the
garb of tackling ‘HIDDEN HUNGER’.
In the city-centric world-view of most planners and administrators, Forests
mean ‘timber’ that can be sold, and minerals that can be mined.
They fail to understand the critical importance of the Forest for the food
security of the communities that live around the forest.
Filmed in the jungles and villages at Raigada, in southern Odisha, ‘I cannot
give you my Forest’ is a poetic window into the relationship of the Kondh Adivasis with the Forest.
Against the backdrop of the rape and plunder of the community resources
by venal Corporations and the government, the Forest becomes a metaphor
for their sovereignty.
Producer- Nandan Saxena (nandansaxena@gmail.com)