When the lights dim and the camera rolls, a world of imagination comes alive. Talented Shoolini students have created such a world with their documentaries. Titled ‘Dance of Gods: Mandi Shivratri’ and ‘Himachal’s Traditional Game: Thoda’, the films are a window into the culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes to discover how these budding filmmakers brought their vision to the screen with flair and originality.
Produced by Shoolini filmmaking club, Cinedicate, the ‘Dance of Gods’, was a hit with audiences for showcasing the grandeur of Maha Shivratri festival in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The documentary, funded and conceptualised by Shoolini University Chief Learning Officer Dr Ashoo Khosla, offers an immersive look into the cultural and spiritual essence of the festival.
Production for the film began in December when five students set off to Mandi on a research trip to explore the local traditions. They were supported by two key figures: Birbal Sharma, an award-winning photographer renowned for capturing the region’s cultural heritage, and Maan Singh Thakur, the caretaker of the Mandi King’s Palace (now the Raj Mahal Hotel). Thakur's assistance was crucial, helping the team access restricted areas during the festival. This not only deepened their research but also enabled them to create a compelling documentary film.
Despite several challenges—particularly resistance from festival attendees who were uncomfortable with the cameras—the team pushed through. The post-production process came with its own hurdles, as the high-quality footage was large and complex to edit. After months of hard work, ‘Dance of the Gods’ was finally completed and premiered at the university on August 30th. Viewers widely praised the film, particularly impressed by its stunning cinematography.
Reflecting on her production, Dr Ashoo Khosla shared, “I’ve dedicated this film to my grandparents and all grandparents, who are keepers of our oral traditions. Their stories keep our culture alive. This film is my tribute to Mandi, its rich traditions, and the timeless Shivratri festival." Praising the efforts of students, she said, “I’m truly impressed by their passion and hard work."
Meanwhile, students from the School of Media and Communications (2021-2024) at Shoolini University created a remarkable documentary on ‘Thoda’, a traditional game of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its deep-rooted respect for rituals and traditions, Himachal Pradesh treasures ‘Thoda’ for its historical significance. During their research, the students discovered that many locals were unaware of this ancient practice, making the film a crucial effort to preserve and promote the game.
The team collaborated with cultural conservationist Jiyalal Thakur, whose expertise in ‘Thoda’ brought depth to the film. They were fortunate to witness a live game in Balghar, near Oachghat, Solan, where they interviewed Yashwant Damset, a ‘Thoda’ team captain. His insights, along with contributions from Dinesh Chandel, the organiser of the village fair, helped shape the film’s narrative.
Saloni Verma, one of the journalism students involved in making the documentary, said, “I loved discovering the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. This game taught me the value of discipline and respect for opponents. It’s important to show respect in all situations, no matter who you are dealing with.”
These opportunities gave students hands-on experience, boosting their confidence and inspiring them to push their boundaries. The documentaries they created reflect their hard work, creativity, and passion for telling meaningful stories.
Vaishali Thakur