Films

Films

Sarmaya Films is a special series that documents the living traditions of India in ways that centre the communities, indigenous practices and natural eco-systems that nourish and preserve these art forms. So far, our journey has led us to the vanishing shadow-puppeteers of Dharmavaram in Andhra Pradesh and the next generation of an illustrious family of artists in Madhubani, Bihar. Watch this space to see where we will go next.

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Tholu Bommalata
Tholu Bommalata
- Dance of the Shadow Puppets
- Dance of the Shadow Puppets

Journey with us to Dharmavaram and visit the home and studio of National Award-winning puppeteer and artist Sindhe Chithambara Rao and his family. The Sindhes practice the ancient Indian art of Tholu Bommalaata, which is Telugu for ‘dance of the leather dolls’.....

Journey with us to Dharmavaram and visit the home and studio of National Award-winning puppeteer and artist Sindhe Chithambara Rao and his family. The Sindhes practice the ancient Indian art of Tholu Bommalaata, which is Telugu for ‘dance of the leather dolls’.....

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Madhubani
Madhubani
- Art from a Sacred Land
- Art from a Sacred Land

Walk through the narrow winding lanes of Jitwarpur on the outskirts of Madhubani town in Bihar and you’ll be reminded of William Archer’s words. “Maithil Painting is as natural and necessary as sweeping the courtyard or going to a well.”

Walk through the narrow winding lanes of Jitwarpur on the outskirts of Madhubani town in Bihar and you’ll be reminded of William Archer’s words. “Maithil Painting is as natural and necessary as sweeping the courtyard or going to a well.” The art is such a regular part of life here that only outsiders stand and stare at it....