Ridham Janve’s ‘Hunter’s Moon’ Is High Altitude Test of Human Nature – Film Bazaar Work-in-Progress

As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the labyrinth of global cinema for decades, I must confess that Ridham Janve’s approach to filmmaking resonates deeply with my own sensibilities. His ability to weave intricate narratives around nature and humanity’s complex relationship with it is nothing short of mesmerizing.


Ridham Janve, who’s already gained recognition in the industry, is present at the Film Bazaar with his second movie “Hunter’s Moon” (also known as “Kaatti Ri Raatti”). He compares the editing process to a long-distance game of chess that he played with skilled editor Amit Dutta.

Janve explained to EbMaster that instead of sharing the full narrative, he’d send him sporadic chunks like files, notes, and hints about the mood. This left some unexpected elements, such as introducing a key character in the middle of the story, but it was intriguing for him to uncover my movie from an unusual perspective.

The remote editing process, while not necessitated by the COVID era, was more of a reflection that both Janve and Dutta have a deep connection with nature, living as they do in mountainous areas.

In Janve’s former movie, “The Gold-Laden Sheep and the Sacred Mountain,” mountains played a crucial role. Similarly, in his new film, “Hunter’s Moon,” they serve as more than mere backdrops.

The storyline of the movie centers around a hunter, who stores the game he’s caught in what he believed was a secure location. Upon revisiting the mountain cave, he realizes his hidden stash has been stolen and he now faces a clever adversary.

In this movie review, I’d like to share my thoughts on a powerful film that explores the intriguing question: Are humans fundamentally different from other animals? The director posits that we aren’t, suggesting that our actions can be just as ruthless and extreme when survival is at stake. This cinematic journey serves as an allegory, delving into the complexities of moral conflicts and distorted values that expose humanity’s true nature in its rawest form in the wild.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I yearned to delve deeper into what I refer to as the authentic mountain essence. Occasionally, these lofty peaks provide sanctuary. However, they also reveal aspects of ourselves that lie hidden within. – Janve

In this movie, I aim to delve into the complexities of the human mind, revealing the fascinating dance between survival instincts, moral dilemmas, and the ongoing battle between humans and their natural environment. Sometimes, humanity embodies nature itself, while at other times, it’s merely a self-aware animal grappling with dreams and burdened by its conscience.

The movie has been completed and is currently in the final stages of post-production, as it was selected for the Film Bazaar’s Work in Progress Lab. Janve explained that their outreach effort in Goa aims to secure finishing funds and potential international co-producers before a prestigious festival debut in 2025.

Janve continues to work on another project that has garnered substantial international acclaim. He received a grant of $25,000 from the Asia Pacific Screen Awards through their APSA MPA Film Fund, for his upcoming film “Ashwamedh” or “The Sacrifice”.

The ancient ritual of Ashwamedha Yagya has long captivated my imagination. The sight of a horse galloping across the wilderness, establishing territorial limits for its nation, carries a powerful message that resonates with me. I find it remarkable how this symbolic act and idea have gained renewed significance in today’s world.” He previously shared this thought with Indian media outlets. “Winning the MPA APSA award was a great honor for me. It granted me the opportunity to delve into research for two years,” he expressed to EbMaster.

In my perspective, being part of the team behind “Hunter’s Moon” at The Film Café, Uncombed Buddha, Stop Whining Pictures, and Ammi Media was a unique experience. Instead of traditional crew members, we enlisted Gaddi mountain people – farmers, porters, and laborers – to fill key roles in the film production. They were trained as camera assistants, sound operators, and more, giving them employment while fostering a deep connection to the filmmaking process. This way, our film accurately portrays their culture and life experiences, authentically reflecting the Gaddis’ world.

Read More

2024-11-22 08:19