Kinnaur filmmaker wins accolades

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 13

Having grown up in the rugged mountains of Kinnaur, Renu Negi understood and appreciated the significance of the Yak which is why she was able to portray it so vividly and beautifully in her film, which won her several accolades.

Renu, now based in New Delhi, has come a long way since she forayed into the arena of film making. Her film “Yak: Ship of the Mountain” bagged the best Science Film award at the 8th National Science Film Festival held recently. Considering the beautifully captured shots in picturesque Kinnaur, the film also won the award for the best cinematography award.

“The film is a beautiful depiction of how yak, one of the oldest species of animal, was losing its existence with time and development. The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) with its efforts brought back yak, the true friend of tribal community again,” says Renu.

The film was made with extensive research on the yak. “Latest technology, including high definition camera, were used to make the film a visual treat. It was ensured that the film is crisp, visually appealing and most importantly has quality content,” says Renu about her film.

“When I look back it has been a very satisfying journey, though involving great struggle and hardships. I am very happy and satisfied with the kind of work I am doing,” says Renu.

With her knowledge and understanding of tribal customs and traditions, she was able to translate it on the screen. It’s not that she confined herself to just Kinnuar but captured the unique lifestyle of numerous tribes like Mishmi, Khampti and Sherdukpen (Arunachal Pradesh), Khashi (Megalaya), Bheel, Gond and Bega (Madhya Pradesh). In Himachal she has worked on capturing the traditions of Lahaulas, Kinnauras, Gaddis, Gujjars and Pangwals.

After completing education from Shimla she finished apprenticeship with various known filmmakers before setting up her own media house in 1998 “RN Production.” Since then she has made more than 75 films on various subjects for national and international agencies, both government and private.

Her film on fisheries, “Safalta ki kahani” got appreciation certificate from ICAR and was also shortlisted for the award in the 8th National Science film festival. She has also made corporate, tele-films, docu-drama and documentary films.