Walls and the Tiger

(directed by Sushma Kallam) deals with the issue of a nationwide state-and-corporate economic-development push that is forcing many Indian farmer-villagers off their land. This is done by showing the struggle rural India’s population has to fight against the corrupt governments and large companies. Apart from giving a picture of the current situation it addresses the underlying question of what development means and how "our" ("Western") idea of economic and social progress impacts on the livelihoods of people living in the affected regions.  The documentary depicts the clash between the Indian government’s struggle for economic growth and the harsh reality of farmers who are forcibly removed from their land and hence deprived of what frequently constitutes their only source of income. Thereby, it unearths the absurd efforts of converting the predominantly agrarian Indian economy into an industrial one - which ironically does not result in higher living conditions for most citizens, but a degree of hardship never experienced before by former farmers and villagers.

The documentary focuses on individual stories. On the one hand it portraits those farmers already affected by past projects and on the other hand it portrays those still fighting against the planned Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Additionally, government representatives, defending their supportive position for the companies, are interviewed.

Unlike many other documentaries Walls and the Tiger has a positive end as well as it gives voice to the individuals affected. Although or maybe because sometimes little background information is given, the documentary provides a good picture of the actual situation.

Nathalie Spittler, second-year SEEP student and mentor

 

I immensely enjoyed watching this movie, as it manages to provide a novel, unprecedented look on India, its current struggles and opportunities. An inspiring achievement that touches the heart and the mind.

Judith Kohlenberger, program coordinator

 

Government representatives try to defend and justify their actions but almost in such a naive way that it seems hardly possible to take their arguments serious. In some parts it is hard to follow the line of the story but overall it is a very interesting documentary.

Maria Brighenti, first-year SEEP student

Written by Nathalie Spittler