Headhunting to Beatboxing

Scenery was lovely but the music was virtually undistinguishable from relatively unsophisticated Western folk rock. Except for some very small snippets of history, the 75 minutes was songs and instrumentals by Nagaland artists dusted with some talking heads about the music industry being developed in Nagaland.

Very little or few connections to history and Naga culture. No explanations of local language or music or instruments. Nice people with adequate small town skills. No explanations of why wrestling is significant or the meanings behind the intricate dancing.

I had actually planned a trip to Nagaland to see the Hornbill Festival but this documentary has convinced me that it wouldn't be a good use of time and money. The Hornbill Festival is a big cultural event in Nagaland, drawing many visitors, but while the festival was shown there was absolutely no explanation of what a hornbill is, what it looks like and why it is the basis for a festival.

A remarkably narrow view and a surprising emphasis on the importance of Christianity as a source for all.

If this had been on tv I would have switched channels after the first few minutes.

I had actually planned a trip to Nagaland to see the Hornbill Festival but this documentary has convinced me that it wouldn't be a good use of time and money. The Hornbill Festival is a big cultural event in Nagaland, drawing many visitors, but while the festival was shown there was absolutely no explanation of what a hornbill is, what it looks like and why it is the basis for a festival.

With some amazing visuals, certain to leave you wanting more, this documentary treads the not-so-easy cultural transformation of Nagaland and its people via music.

Showcasing some brilliant musical talent and their stories, the movie shows how music can help in binding people, help them navigate the changes in lifestyle, moving away from violence.

Being in a remote mountainous corner of India, it is a state which has had to face various hardships of its own, but the way music has helped catalyse their cultural transformation is beautifully expressed with some lovely songs & performances throughout the movie.

The Hornbill festival, which is a major draw of tourists across the world, is also shown in its entirety, a burst of action, colours & culture.

Cinematography is spot on and the whole movie is put together beautifully! Having seen it on a big screen at the IFFI in Goa, India I can't wait to get to Nagaland to take a look myself.