Director's statement
The Mru people’s Chiasodpoi is more than a festival; it is a vibrant manifestation of their identity, spirituality, and resilience. In an era when Indigenous cultures are increasingly at risk of erasure, documenting the endangered traditions of the Mru people felt both urgent and necessary.
At the heart of the film is the ‘Plung’, an ancient bamboo flute that carries the voice of the Mru’s cultural heritage. Its haunting melodies guide the viewer through the rituals of ‘Chiasodpoi’—a sacrificial ceremony rooted in spirituality, music, and community. This documentary presents a rare ethnographic lens into a world where music and ritual merge, offering insights into the historical and spiritual significance of the Mru people’s practices.
My approach to ‘Mrucha Chiasodpoi’ was to capture the life of this community as authentically as possible, allowing their voices, music, and rituals to narrate their own story. Through the personal journey of Manle, a ‘Plung’ craftsman performing the festival for his child’s health, the film explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and survival. This documentary serves not only as a cultural archive but also as a bridge that fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation for the Mru’s rich and fragile heritage.
– Mashrukur Rahman Khan
synopsis
In the remote hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, Manle, a master craftsman of the ‘Plung’, an ancient bamboo flute, faces a profound spiritual and personal challenge. His young child has fallen ill, and in the Mru tradition, only the gods can restore health through the ritual of ‘Chiasodpoi’—a ceremonial dance and sacrificial offering.
The documentary unfolds as Manle prepares his community for the festival, crafting the sacred ‘Plung’, and orchestrating intricate rituals that intertwine music and spirituality. Performers from neighboring villages gather to engage in extraordinary orchestral battles, using the ‘Plung’ to communicate with divine forces. At the heart of the sacrificial act: encircling and offering a cow to appease the gods.
‘Mrucha Chiasodpoi’ is a story of resilience, faith, and identity, where music becomes a bridge between the human and the divine. Through Manle’s journey, the film reveals the profound cultural heritage of the Mru people, offering a rare glimpse into a world where ancient traditions and modern struggles collide. It is a poignant exploration of a father’s love, a community’s devotion, and the endangered legacy of an indigenous people.