TODAY -
Strumming the strings of strife
Times of India | Abdul Gani, TNN | Jun 4, 2011, 11.21pm IST
Besides natural resources and cultural diversity, there is another thing the northeast is famous for - rock music. The seven sisters, along with the eighth, Sikkim, are a hotbed of musical talent and have produced famous bands like Soulmate (Shillong), Girish & The Chronicles (Gangtok), Escape Velocity (Guwahati), Magdalene (Mizoram) and Phoenix or Phynyx (Manipur).
But, sadly, the region is always in the news for its disturbed socio-political scenario - bomb blasts, ambushes, economic blockades, drug hauls. Now, looking to shift the focus to the thriving rock music scene in the NE, young filmmaker Bidyut Kotoky, in a novel effort, is exploring the unusual popularity of rock music in the northeast juxtaposed against the backdrop of the violence-ridden socio-political condition of the region on reel.
The film, entitled 'Guns and Guitars', will track the journey of eight rock groups from the eight states of the region culminated into the grand finale - a day-long concert on May 24, the birth anniversary of Bob Dylan, being organized by Lou Majaw, one of the most popular rock musicians in the country. "The film is an endeavour to bring to light how these youngsters rise above the negative energies that abound their environment with guitars in their hands and dreams on their lips, singing songs of life," Bidyut said.
The film uses the concert as a vista to explore one of the most beautiful regions of the country, where music seems to be just another way of life. A region of unparalleled beauty and beautiful people, the northeast has always been an unknown place for the rest of India. 'Guns and Guitars' will help viewers discover a region, which, though mostly shrouded in talk of internal strife and unrest, has always had music playing and growing in its midst, explained the Mumbai-based filmmaker. The 52-minute 'Guns and Guitars' attempts to draw parallels with Bob Dylan's own journey. The music legend's 70th birthday celebration was celebrated in a grand way with a day-long concert in Shillong.
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* * This Post is uploaded on June 05 2011.
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