Documentary Films from IDPA

Synopsis

The Battle of Colachel (English/2025/ 23 mins) Dir. Yadu Vijayakrishnan. In 1741, the world's largest naval force, the Dutch decided to attack and conquer a tiny kingdom of the southernmost tip of India. The historic battle went on to become significant in world history where a tiny Asian kingdom defeated a mighty European force. 

The Spinning Experience (English/2025/ 17 mins) Dir. Pankaj Sekhsaria. Is the charkha an obsolete technology? Is it a slow and un-productive relic of the past that we remember only because of Gandhi or its role in the freedom struggle? Can it play any role at all in the many crises we are facing today? The Spinning Experience follows 30 IIT Bombay students while they learn the slow and gentle art of hand-spinning on the charkha over three days and engage with these and other questions as they go along. The learning unfolds in many ways... the yarn breaks, but the spirit does not as new meaning is created for age-old ideas of skill, labour, sustainability, history and craft. 

Women of Munsiyari (Hindi/ 2025/ 11 mins) Dir. Rachita Gorawala. In the Himalayan village of Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, the forest is far more than landscape—it is livelihood, memory and spirit. Once dispossessed by colonial forest laws that criminalised traditional communities, villagers fought back through the creation of Van Panchayats, people-led forest councils. Today, in a society long shaped by caste and patriarchy, the women of Munsiyari stand at the forefront of this movement. As vigilant chowkidars, they patrol, preserve and defend the forest they lovingly call their maika—their natal home—transforming stewardship into an act of resistance, solidarity and survival. 

Kadiya Dhro: Grand Canyon of India (English/ 2025/ 22 mins) Dir. Ritesh Jain. A production by EMRC, a pioneering UGC-established media centre with 15 National Awards for excellence in educational and documentary filmmaking. This documentary,directed by Er. Ritesh Jain, unveils the captivating story of the Kadiya Dhro, a geological marvel hidden in the heart of Kutch, Gujarat, India. From ancient times to a modern-day economic hub, Kutch has witnessed a remarkable journey. This film explores the regions diverse landscapes, shaped by millions of years of geological evolution and tectonic activity. It delves into the formation of the Kadiya Dhro, a series of breathtaking gorges and canyons, while unravelling the intricate tapestry of Kutch's history and culture. The documentary highlights the impact of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, showcasing the regions resilience and subsequent economic transformation driven by tourism. Through stunning visuals and expert interviews, it unveils the secrets of the Kadiya Dhro's formation and its significance as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Kadiya Dhro: Grand canyon of India is a discovery of natures artistry and human resilience, inviting viewers on a visual and intellectual journey through one of India's most captivating landscapes. 

Saree And Scrub (Malayalam/ 2026/ 29 mins) Dir. Vishnu Mohan and Devendu. This documentary explores the lives of Kerala's unseen and uncelebrated housemaids, vital to India's domestic workforce yet facing daily exploitation and lack of recognition. Through raw, heartfelt stories, it unveils their resilience, daily struggles, Hidden sacrifices, and unwavering hope for a better future. It underscores calls for change, celebrating the unbreakable strength and spirit of women fighting for recognition against all odds.