In feature films the director is God; in documentary films God is the director.
—Alfred Hitchcock
It was a lazy Sunday evening and as usual was surfing channels. Knowing that it was a prime time so was looking for some great documentaries on Nat Geo and Discovery channel.
Finally I landed up on the channel 557 Discovery channel. It was “Feast India” a popular show on the channel which takes its viewers to a colourful and fascinating glimpse into Indian culture, food and customs. It’s true that diverse cultural influences make each region of India so distinct.
But what more fascinated me more was the fact that India is being so beautifully captured by foreign documentary makers. I was wondering if any Indian documentary maker could have ever existed who can bring India on the International media so much beautifully. I may not have technical knowledge of film making but as a viewer I can always make out which is good and which is best. We get to learn so much from such shows about India that we hardly see any Indian television capturing it. The Indian television and news channels are busy in telecasting the so called ‘Breaking News’. Sometimes it’s really hilarious to read those funny lines flashing at the bottom of your TV screen. Do we really want to see such things? I wonder how a viewer can watch such news channels. Anyways I am not an expert here but really feel that India is lacking in the field of ‘serious journalism’. It gives me immense pleasure to watch good documentaries on Nat Geo and Discovery Channel.If we look at the Japan’s earthquake in March 2011, none of the Japanese television showcased the stories of people panicking or crying rather the Japanese media was given strict instruction not to showcase such videos. I think we should learn something from the International media.
It’s not the bad story always there have been few exceptions here as well. NDTV have been showcasing a nice documentary on Indian Defence Service called ‘Jai Jawaan’. And there have been a series of some really good documentaries on the same channel itself.
I think its enough of criticising the media now. And for now I should change my area of writing. Will try next time. Till then Happy Reading..!!
