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Curious Eyes Cinema hits big with short film spotlighting Jaunsari tribe time at Visions du Réel
MUMBAI: Ever felt annoyed by rain interrupting your Netflix binge? There’s a tribe whose entire existence revolves around it—and now even they’re fed up! Cue Rains Don’t Make Us Happy Anymore, a quirky yet poignant short film diving headfirst into the rapidly disappearing world of the Jaunsari tribe of Uttarakhand. And guess what? This delightful cinematic gem has bagged its world premiere at Europe’s leading documentary extravaganza, Visions du Réel. Talk about making a splash!
Produced by Sharad Mehra under Curious Eyes Cinema and masterfully crafted by writer-director Yashasvi Juyal, the film is set to premiere on 10 April 2025, at the festival’s 56 edition in Nyon, Switzerland. The festival, running from 4-13 April 2025, boasts an impressive roster of 154 films from a record-breaking 57 countries.
“We are absolutely thrilled that our film has been chosen for this prestigious festival featuring 154 films from a record 57 countries. It’s an incredible platform to share our labour of love and passion with a wider audience, and we can’t wait for the world to experience it,” says Mehra.
Nestled in Lohari village within Uttarakhand’s remote Jaunsar-Bawar region, the documentary vividly captures the tribe’s fascinating yet fading culture. From faith healing rituals to intricate terraced farming, cultivating wheat, barley, and lentils, their traditions are rich—but increasingly rare. Why? Well, because young folks prefer city lights over candlelit Himalayan nights. Who can blame them?
Juyal adds perspective, noting, “This film sheds light on the pressing issue of displacement caused by the development of hydroelectric projects and dams in the Himalayas, highlighting the profound impact on both the land and its people. With limited representation of Himalayan narratives, this selection marks a monumental moment for us, and we are excited to embark on this journey, sharing this important story with the world.”
Will a short film finally put the Jaunsari tribe on the global cinematic map, or will their traditions fade faster than your New Year’s resolutions? Either way, it’s about time someone gave rains and tribes their due attention.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
