norCH IsCT INdiya filM festiveL 2024
NORTH EAST INDIA FILM FESTIVAL 2024
KA CHITHI
the letters
Written & Directed by - Simi Khongtiang
Duration - 107 minutes
Language - Jaintia
Producer - Fourness Dhar, Cornelia Dkhar
Screenplay - Simi Khongtiang, Kamki Diengdoh,
Julius Basaiawmoit
Cinematography - Kamki Diengdoh
Editing - Kamki Diengdoh
Sound - Julius L. Basaiawmoit, Debajit Gayan
Cast - Asunta Papang, Ekratia Khongtiang,
Petros Rymbai, Some Mary Dkhar, Elizer Bareh
In a matrilineal society, Darika seeks answers about her family. Raised by grandparents and an unmarried uncle, she uncovers hidden letters, hoping they reveal the truth about her absent mother and silent father. Will these letters bring closure or deepen the complexity of her origins, sparking a journey of self-discovery?
SYNOPSIS
Darika, a 14 year old girl living with her grandparents, is plagued with questions about her life that she cannot find answers to. She often wonders where her mother is who gave birth to her? What happened to her? Is she dead? Did she abandon her? What about her father? Why is she being raised by her grandparents and her unmarried maternal uncle? No one in the family would give her answers. Why?
This longing to know about her life have left her meek and quiet. As she tries to find her answers from those close to her, she's shut down from all quarters. Her grandparents tried their best to give her the best of life but deep down she knows that they are not happy. She was born a girl in a matrilineal culture and isn't her birth enough to bring joy to the family especially her parents and grandparents. What else is missing?
That is until she finds the letters that might be the answers to everything she has ever wanted to know. Will the letters solve the puzzles around her life, or will she be left with more questions than she began?
DIRECTOR
Simi Khongtiang
Simi Khongtiang, born in Nohwet East Khasi hills, Meghalaya and bought up in Khliehriat east Jaiñtia hills, is a self-taught film maker and among the few women filmmaker in Meghalaya. She started her journey in filmmaking in 2007 with her first film Skop, as a writer and started directorial debut in 2009 with Skop is Back. Her 3rd film Da Theh Lut won best film in 1st Khasi film Award in 2013 till date she also directed 5 music videos. Simi Khongtiang is passionate about films and in particular, love to write about family drama.