LITTLE GODS

LITTLE GODS is set in Allahabad by the confluence of three holy rivers—the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. Devout Hindus from across India and the world travel here to bathe in the purifying waters and are in a state of euphoria and generosity by the time they reach the rivers. Living by the rivers are migrant families who have created makeshift tent villages. Every morning, these families dress their children as various Hindu gods and send them out to beg for alms among the throngs of pilgrims, who take photos of them in return. These children are the primary source of income for these families, and they work the entire day to sustain their families’ meager and destitute existence. The most popular Hindu god is Shiva played by the boy; and Shiva’s wife, Parvati, played by the girls. Each colony guards its territory jealousy and fights for prime spots that allow them easy access to the places where pilgrims congregate and bathe. Documentary film, 60 and 90 minutes. Stage: pre-production

Director: Ram Devineni
Producer: Tanvi Gandhi and Ram Devineni
Director of photography: Siddharth Shukla
Country: India
Language: Hindi with English Subtitles.
Co-production of Rattapallax, Inc. and House of TeeGee Productions, Ind.