by Hayley Charlesworth
Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens, the India-set documentary from French directors Gaspard Kuentz and Cédric Dupire, is just one of the films screening at the 2014 Asia House Film Festival. At a run time of just 54 minutes, the film may be shorter than many episodes of TV dramas, but is nevertheless a collection of beautiful cinematography and startling imagery.
Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens, the India-set documentary from French directors Gaspard Kuentz and Cédric Dupire, is just one of the films screening at the 2014 Asia House Film Festival. At a run time of just 54 minutes, the film may be shorter than many episodes of TV dramas, but is nevertheless a collection of beautiful cinematography and startling imagery.
Exploring the Sonepur fair, the largest cattle trade in Asia, the film takes its name from two race horses introduced by their owner in the film’s introduction: the stallion King of the Wind, and the mare Electric Queen. But this is not a story about these horses, or any story at all. This film has no real narrative focus or character development, but is a rather a snapshot of a diverse festival of trade, culture, and community, displayed in all its vibrancy. From the tarot readers, to the Exorcist, the stuntman to the rider, the dancer to the elephant tamer, we are plunged deep into a celebration of Bihari (in East India) culture. Rather than a narrative story as with most documentaries, the effect is of the audience attending the festival themselves, experiencing through the cinema screen what the attendees also experience.
This would not be successful without the masterful but understated direction from Kuentz and Dupire. Capturing each image with exquisite beauty, and with editing choices that allow us to view the full extent of what the festival has to offer, these directors revere the fair in the same manner that attendees do. We are introduced to a number of different characters, as listed above, and are given a snapshot of their lives and their purpose at Sonepur, before we leave them behind. A snapshot is all we need, and each one is used to create a whole, greater picture. Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens can be viewed as a cinematic collage, the elements helping to make sense of the whole.
This would not be successful without the masterful but understated direction from Kuentz and Dupire. Capturing each image with exquisite beauty, and with editing choices that allow us to view the full extent of what the festival has to offer, these directors revere the fair in the same manner that attendees do. We are introduced to a number of different characters, as listed above, and are given a snapshot of their lives and their purpose at Sonepur, before we leave them behind. A snapshot is all we need, and each one is used to create a whole, greater picture. Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens can be viewed as a cinematic collage, the elements helping to make sense of the whole.
Audibly, the film is very true to the subject too. The only music on the soundtrack comes from the fair itself, as with that played by the dancer accompanying the opening titles. The diegetic soundtrack is full of train horns, people talking in the background, muffled music coming from speakers, and the splashing of the sea. The sound, as with the visuals, plunge you into the atmosphere of the entire piece.
This film is not for everyone. For audiences who like to see plot development, cause and effect, and character growth, very little happens. But for those with a taste for atmosphere building, honesty, and overall emotion, it is a beautiful piece. It is especially pleasant for viewers with a particular eye for cinematography, and for those with a fascination for celebrating culture and community.
If you are that kind of person, Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens is worth investing 56 minutes in.
Asia House Film Festival kicks off this now and you can buy tickets here.
This film is not for everyone. For audiences who like to see plot development, cause and effect, and character growth, very little happens. But for those with a taste for atmosphere building, honesty, and overall emotion, it is a beautiful piece. It is especially pleasant for viewers with a particular eye for cinematography, and for those with a fascination for celebrating culture and community.
If you are that kind of person, Kings of the Wind and Electric Queens is worth investing 56 minutes in.
Asia House Film Festival kicks off this now and you can buy tickets here.
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