Writer/Producer/Director: Amy Laly
Produced by and available from Tapestry Productions. Email:
imli@gte.net
Music Director: Steve Layton
20 min. Color. Hi-Fi. Live action, Stills
Video Rating Guide for Libraries - Vol. 6, No. 4
Reviewed by Gary L. Cheatham
Rating : 
(out of )
Jala Do - Torch the Pyre is both a documentary and essay about the Bombay riots of the early 1990s. As a documentary, the video adequately presents an overview of the events surrounding the civil strife between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Bombay. The video, dedicated to "victims of bigotry and hate," is also a commentary on various religious and political issues facing India. The video draws the conclusion that the "politicization of religious fundamentalism threatens ..... democracies around the world."
The video presents the story from the Muslim minority point-of-view. The commitment to telling this story is evident as the camera takes viewers to the backstreets of Bombay, where the survivors of the riots openly describe their experiences. The trauma resulting from the riots can be seen in the faces of those interviewed for the video. The narrator successfully blends storytelling of the events with interviewees' translated words. This is an easy to follow, imaginative, and bold documentary.
The variety of live action and stills are creatively matched with good editing, enhancing the content and flow of the presentation. Excellent camera positioning during the interviews also captures the expressions and essence of the speakers, supporting the message of the video. The pleasing music selections include ethnic sounds to further complement the presentation.
Jala Do - Torch the Pyre successfully draws attention to a relatively little known series of events that occurred in India, and logically shows how these events have global relevance. Unfortunately the viewpoints of Bombay authorities and the Hindu community have largely been excluded, which could arguably influence the video's conclusions. Nonetheless, this is an important, thought provoking video. The graphic descriptions and illustrations of the riots make the video suitable for high school students and adults. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
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