Our Films
Documentaries, series, and short films — each grounded in the forests and communities of central India.
Flagship · 2025
Documentary · 45 min · Hindi / Gondi with English subtitles
Kohinoor follows the journey of a young boy from the Fakir community, the first to complete Class 12, who rises from generational poverty and seasonal begging to dream of higher education. His struggle, supported by mentors and community, becomes a beacon of hope and change through the power of learning.
Screened at 6 community venues across Seoni district so far — from school hostels to district administration offices. Official festival selections to be announced.
All Productions
The upcoming Dasra series and the feature currently in production across Pench, Kanha, and Tadoba.
CICADA's first multi-episode production, made in partnership with Dasra Foundation. Each episode profiles a community whose relationship with their landscape is being renegotiated — on their own terms.
A feature-length exploration of the tribal communities across central India for whom the tiger is not just a predator but a deity, an ancestor, and a neighbour — filmed across Pench, Kanha, and Tadoba.
Series · Released
A four-part reel series exploring the many dimensions of Mahua — the forest flower at the heart of tribal culture, cuisine, and ceremony across central India.
Other Works
Individual films made by CICADA members — brief, personal, and shot with craft and care.
2:59 · By Mukesh Kumar Mahato
A humble kumor (potter) spends his days creating beautiful earthen pots, cups, and lamps on his spinning wheel. Despite his hard work and skill, his craft struggles to survive in a world moving towards plastic and metal products.
Watch on YouTube2:42 · By Mukesh Kumar Mahato & Sayan Sardar
In the vibrant lanes of Purulia, tradition takes shape in clay and color. Chhau masks come alive through the hands of dedicated artisans, especially women breaking barriers. Each mask tells a story — of culture, creativity, and quiet revolution.
Watch on YouTubeBehind the Scenes
From forest clearings to village courtyards — glimpses of the work behind the frame.
Words on Documentary
“In documentary, you don't direct life. You try to be a witness.”
— Agnès Varda
“Documentary is a way of educating people about the complexity of the world we live in.”
— Frederick Wiseman
“Documentary is not about delivering information, it's about creating an experience.”
— Joshua Oppenheimer
Community Screenings
Schools, hostels, NGOs, district administrations, CSR teams — if you have a community that should see these films, we'll help you run the screening end-to-end.
Request a screening