The Leopard’s Tribe is a documentary film chronicling the relentless struggle that the Adivasi community faces in the forests of Aarey as they battle court decisions under the guise of ‘development’. Directed by Miriam Chandy Menacherry, in the opening scene, the viewers are introduced to the mottled greenery amongst the tall buildings and skyscrapers on one side and the plush blanket of green on the other side of the barrier. Armed with passion and appreciation for the gifts borne by the forests for them, Prakash Bhoir along with his wife Pramilla find themselves at the forefront of the battle to protect thousands of Leopards from being displaced and massacred.
The Adivasis have always worshipped the Leopard as the protector of their tribe. "Wagh Deva" as they lovingly call the spotted creatures who lurk around at night is now facing the shorter end of the stick. With construction in full swing since 2014 for the metro shed, there has been a rise in complaints regarding the animals being spotted at night and attacking people for the same. Conversations with Stalin D, an environmentalist who stands shoulder to shoulder with the Bhoir Family, unearths the tactics used to cause trouble for the family.
Through interviews with Pramilla, Sheetal (daughter) and their two sons Shyam and Aakash, Menacherry constructs a timeline to trace this 'historical battle' and the bitter fruits that it continues to bear. Sorting through citizen archives of videos, she along with her DOP Solanki Chakraborty was able to piece together the struggles that the Adivasis were constantly subjected to.
False cases were filed and labels such as 'encroachments' and 'slums' were levied on them yet the natives of the forest did not deter in their path of resistance. When asked about what more could we do for the Adivasi, Menacherry said that inquiring about such poignant matters is of paramount importance. By pioneering a new language through nature worship, the Adivasis become the conscience keepers of the city and we need to amplify their battle.
This is solely not a story of today. But a narrative that will continue to persist from generation to generation. Warli paintings of such a rebellion continue to decorate the Adivasi houses today. Menacherry is one amongst a long line of filmmakers whose efforts to shine a light on such a pertinent topic should be encouraged.