Authors: Shyam Kumar, Dr. Rahul Amin
Abstract: This research demonstrates how Santali-language films are becoming a tool for preserving culture and fostering social awareness. It places this development within the broader idea of people, planet, and prosperity. The study examines the production and distribution of Santali films in the local areas of East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. While many studies focus on cinema’s artistic or cultural aspects, this paper takes a different approach. It uses a simple, literature-based qualitative method to highlight social and environmental issues affecting tribal and rural communities. Findings suggest that despite low-budget production and distribution constraints, these films carve out arenas for dialogue in villages and fairs, strengthen pride in the language and invite reflection on sustainable livelihoods and forest-ecosystem relationships as shown on screen. This paper will argue that Santali cinema in East Singhbhum has its potential to be used as an instrument of social change, education, and sustainable development, and calls for policy support, open-data archiving of films, and inclusive screening strategies to widen its impact.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17718972
