A short documentary on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGTB) titled ‘On My Soul’, lasting 26 minutes was screened at Aries Studio, Dimapur Monday.
The documentary was directed, scripted, researched and narrated by Kivini Shohe and the main focus was to shed light on the life and miseries the LGTB community in Nagaland faces.
The documentary’s cinematography was nicely edited with a complimenting soundtrack and song.
The three subjects in the documentary were indigenous Nagas whose path of opting the third sex or more commonly known as LGTB was met with stiff resistance from their families, friends and society. The documentary also portrayed the rejection of LGTBs in Naga society though they too possess a soul as precious as anyone else’s and the pain they go through each day to live a meaningful life.
Even though LGTB is no more an alien nature to Nagas no matter how much the dislike for it, the projection of the same as a stigma and social liability was well documented and underscored in Oh My Soul.
From the ordeals of earning their daily bread to having a shelter to spend the night, the three subjects gave a picture of an unwilling outcast who, to the Naga society, does not exist but was seen alive and kicking to a race of people who were different in all aspects of life and culture.
The documentary was projected at the longing LGTBs have, the inherent nature of human beings to feel accepted as one is, the desire to live a normal life and die happy, the fear of having to choose an underground lifestyle etc.
The documentary was long enough to send the message it was intended at and the audacity and yearning showed by the three subjects was a good reflection on the need of a fuller accepting society.
Viewers present during the screening agreed to the huge effort given on the documentary by Kivini and also complimented her for the job.
Kivini during the introductory speech said the documentary has received the certification letter from the Film Authority of India, the governing and censorship body. Kivini also expressed her desire to screen the documentary at various national and international film festivals.
(Aneila Seyie Keretsü)