The Alliance Francaise here has showcased a variety of genres in its weekly film screenings. However, it is perhaps for the first time that the institution would be showing a film which boasts of a Puducherry bureaucrat as scriptwriter. The 2013 film, ‘Calapor,’ which looks at prison reformation using art, has been written by Tourism Secretary R. Mihir Vardhan.
While Mr. Vardhan has always been interested in films, and in writing, these took a back seat owing to a career in the Civil Services, he said. During his stint in Goa as the Inspector General of Prisons, he witnessed the International Film Festival of India which once again spurred his interest in films. “From being an avid film viewer, I moved on to screenplay writing,” he said at a press meet organised at the Alliance Francaise on Thursday.
Having closely observed life in prison, Mr. Vardhan wanted to put to paper ideas on prison reformation gleaned from his experience, and to correct misconceptions.
“Prisoners are human beings with the same emotions and desires like everyone else, except the real hardened among them. There are misconceptions about all jail authorities being harsh and brutal, but there are many of them who are committed to their work,” he said.
“The concept of a jail has undergone drastic change. It is no longer the dark dungeon people think it to be. In the last decade or so, it is being seen as a reformation centre, especially with the efforts of Kiran Bedi, who is considered the pioneer of reforms in jails. There are good and bad prisoners, it is the task of prison authorities to ensure that the good ones remain that, and the bad ones are transformed. Everyone must go out a reformed person,” he added.
Many prisons have started small-scale units and activities like music, dance and art, said Mr. Vardhan. In the Goa prison, an NGO had trained prisoners in performing arts, and a group of inmates went on to produce a play which was staged in many places, he said.
“Their play inspired me to write this film, and I looked at how art can be therapy, and transformative,” said Mr. Vardhan. While the Central Prison in Kalapet here has some activities like gardening and production of handmade items, Mr. Vardhan said he has suggested the setting up of a bakery to the prison authorities. He has also suggested roping in an NGO for art-oriented activities. “It is time to view inmates as a storehouse of talent,” he said.
Alliance Francaise Director Olivier Litvine and president Lalit Verma appreciated Mr. Vardhan’s interest in the arts, and expressed happiness at showcasing the film at the institution. The film will be screened at the Alliance Francaise on May 3 at 6 p.m.
The film will be screened at the Alliance Francaise on May 3 at 6 p.m.
