Aftershocks : The Rough Guide to Democracy

English/64mins/2002
Producer: Rakesh Sharma

Subject Focus: Lignite Mining, Sustainable Development and People’s Right.

Summary: This film is set in Julrai and Umarsar, two villages in Lakhpat, near the India -Pakistan border close to the Gujarat Coast, have nothing in common except that both were almost totally destroyed during the quake and both are sitting on top of lignite reserves. The government-controlled Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation has a monopoly over any mining activity in the region. This film traces the story of GMDC’s attempts to acquire the two villages.

Producer’s/Director’s Profile: Mr. Rakesh Sharma, an eminent filmmaker, had been involved in film making since 1986. He has been associated with numerous film and television channels like the Doordarshan, ZEE Gold (Zee USA), and Vijay TV amongst others. His work has been felicitated with numerous awards like Robert Falherty prize, Le Prix De la Presse Politique award for the best documentary film, John Michaels memorial award for best documentary in Big Muddy film festival USA amongst others. Best Documentary (feature length) at Big mini DV Film Festival (USA), Earth vision Award, Earth vision filmfest 2003 (Japan), Special Jury Award, Ecocinema 2002 (Greece, Sept 2002), Jury Citation/Mention at Black International Cinema Fest (Germany), Jury Citation/Mention at Earthvision 2002 (U.S.A.) and Certificato Di Merito Bronzo, 12th Prix, Leonardo, Italy (2003).