Nocturnes

Coinciding with Diwali, we're presenting two films spanning India from the Himalayan forests of the north, to the wetlands of the south.

In the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas in the dark of night, two curious observers shine a light on the secret world of moths.

Ecologist Mansi and Bicki, a young man from the indigenous Bugun community, traverse the landscape, meticulously working night after night to put up light screens that transform into a dynamic canvas with moths of varying sizes, designs and textures, creating a painterly effect with their form, movement and color. Meanwhile, the human beings patiently wait, watch and listen with anticipation and wonder.

Curator's Note

If the frenetic energy and volume of today's multiplex fare is raising your blood pressure, Nocturnes might be the perfect, grounding antidote. Part eco-doco, part immersive forest experience, Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasana's documentary offers a soothing soundscape of nighttime noises alongside some thoroughly interesting wisdom and scientific learnings.

Nocturnes premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.

– Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)