Vivek Singh Sangwan
Directing
Biography
Vivek is a Bangalore-based filmmaker whose non-fiction work explores marginalised communities and conservation. A co-founder of Verve Media in Mumbai, he brings fresh perspectives to storytelling. His co-directed film, A Flaming Forest, was featured at the Film South Asia festival, winning the award for "Best Depiction of the Climate Emergency." He has travelled across the country to tell their stories of alternative livelihoods and anti-industrialist world views.
Known For
In the face of widespread ecological destruction, social injustice, economic deprivation, there are powerful countercurrents. 'Ordinary' people in several parts of India are resisting the disruption of their lives, as also constructing alternatives in the form of sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy. They illustrate various petals in a 'Flower of Transformation', with a core of ethical values like solidarity, diversity, freedom, self-reliance, and respect of the commons.
Churning the earth
This film explores the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, home to the Soliga adivasis, highlighting their deep connection with the forest and the impact of exclusionary conservation policies since 1974. Documenting five decades of Soliga resistance and the ecological effects of restricted practices, it challenges forced eviction models and advocates for recognizing Soliga rights. This work is the result of a two-decade collaboration between researchers and filmmakers.