Documenting the evolution of Christianity in Kerala

Diocese of Kottapuram to produce docu-fiction

October 20, 2014 12:15 pm | Updated May 23, 2016 04:45 pm IST - KOCHI:

A parish under the Kottapuram diocese.

A parish under the Kottapuram diocese.

Taking a trip down the history lane of Christianity in Kerala can be a bit daunting. For, there can be no end to it.

From the legend of St.Thomas to the present period, it has travelled through a pattern of historical complexity, witnessing many ups and downs.

The Diocese of Kottapuram, located near the ancient port town of Muziris, felt that it’s an intricate journey, the significance of which should be conveyed to the masses. With that in mind the Diocese has come up with a docu-fiction – a brave attempt to encapsulate in five hours, the 3,000-year long history of Christianity right from the golden days of the Muziris to the present day.

“The initiative is in line with our long tradition of taking up technological innovations for mass communication. It was printing press in the 15th century and radio and television in the five centuries later. The attempt is to visualise many important aspects of our history that remain largely unknown, underrated and relatively uncelebrated,” said Fr. Rockey Roby, official spokesperson of the diocese.

Shooting of the docu-fiction to be directed by Mohanroop is set to begin next month. The voluminous script, which runs into over 40 pages, has been finalised by a monitoring committee comprising the diocese officials, historians and researchers.

Mr. Mohanroop said the project would be groundbreaking at many levels whether in its definition of spectacle or its dialogue with technology. “A lot of research has gone into identifying the cultural traits of periods being dealt with such as the attires and the language spoken and much more. The film will be shot by recreating the panoramic visuals of bygone centuries in all its splendour and magnitude,” he said.

Some of the key events that will form a part of the docu-fiction include the arrival of St.Thomas the Apostle, which is believed to have taken place in AD 62, the synod of Diamper in 1599 and the Coonan Cross Oath in 1653. Besides, the parishes of Maliankara, Sambaloor and Paravur will also find a place in it.

The final cut, which would also be a comprehensive history of the Church in Kerala, is scheduled for a release six months from the shooting.

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