Hasta La Motion!

When a classic is recreated, audience generally gets skeptical about the new version. But, the animated feature Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya brings the magic back from Satyajit Ray’s 1969 cult classic Goopi Gyne Baagha Byne.

Adapted from Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury’s classic of the same name, the new animated version has been successful in holding on to the charisma of Goopi and Bagha blissfully. For Bengalis, Goopi and Bagha are an emotion, and holds a special place in the list of iconic duos. The story line of this peculiarly stunning animated piece is mostly adhered to the original work of Ray Chowdhury and Satyajit Ray, with few alterations. For instances, ‘Halla’ kingdom becomes ‘Hundi’, ‘Horituki’ village becomes Chimkoli, ‘Barfi’-the magician becomes Laddoo and so on.

Goopi is an aspiring singer but is not melodious enough, while Bagha tries his hands at drumming who is equally bad. Banished from their respective villages for their not so good music skills, the two land up in a jungle and their destinies get entwined, making them inseparable. The story gains momentum as they encounter the King of Ghosts, who impressed with their song and music, grants them four boons. Goopi and Bagha are then blessed with three boons instantly with the fourth one saved for later.

They embark on a new adventure as they land up in the kingdom of Shundi, which has been threatened for war by its neighbouring country-Hundi reigned by Shundi king’s twin brother. The story remains universal and still relatable with the conflict of war and peace, which becomes all the more pertinent with the current scenario. With the power of their music they’re finally able to change the pre-conditioned minds hungry for war, in a story that’s written very wisely and executed smartly.

Produced by Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI) in association with Karadi Tales, Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya is directed by Shilpa Ranade, with screenplay by Soumitra Ranade and animation by Paperboat Animation Studios. The animation team has done an impeccable work with different, unique techniques and quirky illustrations. The design by Shilpa has stood out especially as such work in animation is rarely seen in the country.

Inspired from the traditional folk paintings, the artwork in the film looks intricate and eye catchy. Created using different characteristics, the plot of the movie keeps unfolding numerous creatively developed characters.

The animation style is not 3D and realistic like the famous animated movies, the kids are fond of, but it sure is peculiar and serves the purpose of the film. The delicate designs, specifically carved styles to make every character stand out, definitely deserve a round of applause.

People who have seen the original version are sure to get hit with nostalgia. Kids will dance to the peppy tunes with the amazing music throughout this musical extravaganza. Created by 3 Brothers & A Violin and composed by Karadi Tales founder Narayan Parashuram, the music keeps unwinding in our minds long after we are out of the cinema hall.

The retelling of this classic in such style of animation paves the way for such amazing pieces created with passion and love. As its subtitle aptly portrays, “First Children’s films for Adults”, there are layers of meanings and metaphors waiting to interpreted and reinterpreted. The film is vibrant, attractive and keeps one hooked, all ages alike. Such films should definitely be encouraged and appreciated, just exactly what it deserves.

All hail, Goopi and Bagha!

The post ‘Goopi Gawaiya Bagha Bajaiya’ recreates magic with stunning animation! appeared first on AnimationXpress.

With the support from the North Eastern Council, the department of Anthropology of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) together with the Trust for Tribal Art Culture and Knowledge are organising the Tribal Animation Film Festival from 1 to 3 March in Shillong.

Addressing the media on Thursday, NEHU department of Anthropology postdoctoral personnel Dr Tara Douglas said, “The whole idea of the event is to highlight indigenous ‘Adivasi’ cultures through the medium of animated films because old traditions are getting lost in certain communities.”

The first day’s programme will introduce local storytelling and artistic tradition as content for animated films. The second day will turn the lens to experimental animation and the way it has been used by independent artists, and the final day explores media and animation education, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices.

“The younger generation is so captivated by the digital platform that they are losing interest in traditional storytelling. So our idea is to try to sustain these stories by adapting them in animated films,” she added. It’s a very difficult job to adapt these long oral stories into short films and this is the very reason we have invited animation filmmakers and experts from other parts of the country and world to give us guidance and share their work so that we can inspire local filmmakers and artist. The animation medium is captivating for the younger people and we are hoping to re-engage them in this way,” she added. (As told to The Sentinel Assam)

The film festival include films by international directors who have sent their works to inspire young participants. The list of directors include- the native American filmmakers Joseph Erb and Victor Masayesva, indigenous filmmakers Amanda Strong and Banchi Hanuse from Canada, Ezra Wube from Ethiopia, Jean Michel Kibushi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Pritt Tender from Estonia.

Douglas further informed,“For the first time we are also bringing animated work from other parts of the world including Australia, America, Canada and to audiences in Meghalaya.” From the Russian Arctic comes the film How Nyanchedo Myniku Taught Man to Fly by Mikhael Korobov and from Australia, the award-winning animated series The Dreaming, based on Australian Aboriginal storytelling.

Scottish animation film director Leslie Mackenzie will share insights about her lifelong work to adapt Gaelic folklore in animation and by conducting workshops with young people in Scotland. The experimental films by independent filmmakers Joan Ashworth, Emma Calder, Christopher Eales and Benjamin Fox from the UK are also going to extend the boundaries of the medium.

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