The unsung custodians of cinematic magic, film projectionists, are facing a silent exodus as technology rapidly transforms the landscape of film exhibition. Malavika VN’s poignant documentary, "Viraamam" (At Reel’s End), now captivating audiences at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), offers a deeply moving tribute to these dedicated individuals, their fading craft, and the profound emotional connection they share with the art of filmmaking.
The heart-wrenching sentiment of Vincent Joseph, a projectionist at Kozhikode’s Radha Theatre, resonates with the core of "Viraamam": "Film projectionists are like candles. People rejoice watching movies that we screen, while we slowly melt." This evocative quote, anchoring the documentary, encapsulates the quiet sacrifice and inherent passion that has defined the profession for decades. Malavika VN’s 16-minute short documentary, which premiered in the competition section of the IDSFFK in Thiruvananthapuram, delves into the lives of Kerala’s film projectionists, capturing the stories of those who have navigated the seismic shifts in the industry and those who have been compelled to step away. Through their poignant recollections, the film paints a vivid picture of a profession on the precipice of obsolescence, where memories of world-class cinema viewed from intimate booths mingle with the tangible, emotional connection to the very machines that brought them to life.
The Genesis of a Cinematic Elegy: A Decade in the Making
The journey of "Viraamam" is as compelling as its subject matter. What began as a final-year visual communications project for Malavika VN at St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, a decade ago, has blossomed into a fully realized artistic statement. "We students had to handle every department – production, direction, editing etc.," Malavika recalls. "I was not happy with the final product and wanted to bring it out as a proper work. It was once I started working as an editor that I finally got into the right mental space and could make sense of the footage and make a story out of it."
This initial iteration, though perhaps not meeting her exacting standards at the time, laid the crucial groundwork. It was a testament to her nascent interest in the often-overlooked technical aspects of filmmaking and the people behind them. The raw footage captured during that period held a deep emotional resonance, waiting for the right moment and the right artistic maturity to be fully explored.
A Collaborative Revival: Refining the Narrative with Goutham Soorya
The transformation of the student project into the critically acclaimed "Viraamam" we see today was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Malavika’s husband, filmmaker Goutham Soorya. "We worked on the visuals from scratch, re-edited it and made a totally new work," Malavika explains. This meticulous process involved a complete overhaul of the original footage, a refined editing approach, and a deeper understanding of narrative structure, allowing Malavika’s evolved perspective to shine through.
Malavika VN, an accomplished editor with a growing portfolio of notable works including films like Madhura Manohara Moham and Vishesham, and web series such as Porul and Priyapettavan Piyush, brings her extensive experience to bear on "Viraamam." Her journey from a visual communications student to a seasoned editor has undoubtedly shaped her ability to discern and sculpt compelling narratives from diverse sources. "A lot has changed since I made this project," she admits. "Even I have a different perspective about the whole process." This evolution in her understanding of filmmaking and its intricate ecosystem is palpable in the refined storytelling of "Viraamam."
Unveiling the Hidden World: The Spark of Inspiration
The initial spark for "Viraamam" ignited when Malavika’s teacher, Johnson Rajkumar, introduced her to the vital fields of film preservation and restoration. This exposure opened her eyes to the critical role played by individuals often hidden from the public eye, the guardians of cinematic heritage. "I wanted to explore how the technological advances impacted their lives and that’s how I happened to do the project," she explains. This curiosity about the human impact of technological evolution became the driving force behind her exploration of the projectionists’ world.
The film’s subjects, the projectionists themselves, are portrayed with immense respect and empathy. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll of their profession’s decline. One projectionist’s raw emotion as he clutches the carbon rods of a 35mm projector, a relic of a bygone era, is a particularly poignant moment. It speaks volumes about the deep-seated affection and pride they held for their craft, a passion that transcended mere employment. These are not just technicians; they are artists who meticulously curated the visual experience for countless moviegoers.
A Decade of Recollection: The Heart of the Documentary
Malavika’s interviews with the projectionists, primarily conducted between 2016 and 2017, are the emotional bedrock of "Viraamam." She recalls the warmth and openness with which they welcomed her into their professional spaces. "It was the first time that someone had come forward to know more about what they did and they were overwhelmed," she shares. This initial surprise and gratitude soon blossomed into a profound exchange, where the projectionists felt seen and acknowledged for their vital, yet often invisible, contribution to the cultural fabric.
What struck Malavika most profoundly was the "love and passion they all had for the job." This unwavering dedication, even in the face of dwindling opportunities and technological obsolescence, is the central theme that permeates "Viraamam." It is this enduring emotion that she aimed to translate for the audience. "That emotion has stayed with me and I wanted the audience also to feel the same through the documentary," she states. The film masterfully weaves together elements of nostalgia, a palpable sense of loss, and an underlying current of inspiration, urging viewers to appreciate the dedication behind every cinematic experience.
The Shifting Landscape: From Reels to Pixels
The narrative arc of "Viraamam" is intrinsically tied to the technological revolution that has swept through the film industry. The transition from celluloid film to digital projection has rendered much of the traditional projectionist’s skillset obsolete. Once masters of intricate machinery, film reels, and the delicate art of splicing and timing, they now face a landscape dominated by digital files and automated systems.
The Rise of Digital Cinema: The advent of digital projectors began to gain significant traction in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This shift offered several advantages for cinema owners, including reduced costs associated with film prints, easier distribution, and enhanced image and sound quality. However, for the projectionists, it represented a fundamental alteration of their work. The tactile, hands-on nature of handling film was replaced by a more screen-based, less physically engaging role.
The Decline of 35mm Projection: As digital became the industry standard, the demand for 35mm projectors plummeted. Many theaters, unable to afford the significant investment in new digital equipment, were forced to close their doors. Those that transitioned often found that the need for skilled 35mm projectionists diminished drastically, leading to job losses and a sense of displacement.
The Human Cost of Progress: "Viraamam" poignantly captures the human cost of this technological progression. The film features projectionists who have successfully adapted to digital technology, finding new roles in managing digital workflows and ensuring the smooth operation of modern projection systems. However, it also highlights the stories of those who found themselves unable to make the transition, either due to age, a lack of opportunity for retraining, or a deep-seated emotional attachment to the analog past. Their narratives are tinged with a sense of melancholic resignation, a quiet acknowledgment of a world that has moved on without them.
A Legacy Preserved: The Role of Film Archives
Malavika VN’s own journey into the world of film preservation and restoration, including an internship with the National Film Archives of India and a two-year tenure with the Film Heritage Foundation, provides a crucial context for "Viraamam." These experiences have undoubtedly deepened her appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of film and the people who have safeguarded it.
The Importance of Preservation: Film archives play a vital role in preserving cinematic heritage. They collect, conserve, and make accessible films that might otherwise be lost to decay or neglect. This work is not just about saving old movies; it’s about preserving cultural memory, historical records, and artistic expressions for future generations.
Projectionists as Guardians of History: In a broader sense, projectionists, particularly those who worked with celluloid for decades, were themselves unwitting custodians of film history. Their meticulous care for the prints, their understanding of the equipment, and their ability to troubleshoot technical issues ensured that countless films reached their audiences in the best possible condition. "Viraamam" elevates these individuals from mere technicians to integral figures in the lineage of film exhibition.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Power of Storytelling
While "Viraamam" serves as a poignant elegy for a fading profession, it also carries a powerful message of hope and resilience. The documentary’s emphasis on the "love and passion" for the craft, regardless of its technological form, is an inspiring takeaway. Malavika’s intention is not simply to mourn the past but to foster a deeper appreciation for the dedication that underpins the magic of cinema.
Inspiring Future Generations: By bringing the stories of these projectionists to light, Malavika hopes to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and cinephiles to understand the full spectrum of the filmmaking process. The documentary serves as a reminder that behind every captivating visual on screen, there is a dedicated individual, a craftsman, who played a crucial role in bringing that vision to life.
A Call for Recognition: "Viraamam" is more than just a documentary; it is a tribute, a historical document, and a call for recognition for a profession that has silently shaped our cinematic experiences for generations. As the film continues to resonate at IDSFFK and beyond, it ensures that the legacy of Kerala’s film projectionists, their passion, and their quiet sacrifices, will not be forgotten, but will instead continue to flicker in the collective memory, much like the light from a projector on a silver screen.
