Producer, Director, Serena Stevenson

This film is dedicated to the people who talked, laughed, played music, and sang with us, for the people of the North East of India.

This film is made and funded independently.

‘Roots on the Move’

A place unknown to the world, the North East of India. 'Roots on the Move’ is a conversation that transcends beyond borders. Through music, dance and technology, east meets west, youth are free to express themselves and a district of diverse culture is unified. 

This story is transpired in the form of a conversation, as we take a journey into an unknown land. For the first time in the history of the North East of India, an opportunity has arisen as if out of the darkness which allows the youth to be free, be creative and be peaceful…this opportunity is manifested in the form of a travelling festival of indigenous and western music called the ‘Roots Festival, on the Move’.

The result, a series of undercover interviews made by Serena Stevenson, disguised as the music festival documenter. Serena filmed and photographed over 30 days across 4000 miles through militant and army controlled borders.

To date this project has had an unequivocal effect, June 2006 the film maker personally funded the production of two multimedia clips, which partially cilitated the success of funding applications for the 2007 festival. 

This finance enabled the organizers to bring three western bands, introducing live music and workshops to the youth of the North East. In 2010 a private screening to two thousand people in a small town of Victoria Australia, raised funding for www.sharingstories.com.au to workshop with youth in the North East of India region.  Auckland NZ a small screening of 15 people generated support for the Roots Festival website.

The North East of India is a place where eastern tradition meets western influence through the internet and TV, where tribal cultural tradition meets the modernisation of cable television, and where conflicting belief systems exist everywhere.
It is a place made up of many different cultural, social, and religious groups who are caught up in a situation where they struggle to find unity with each other. Their history is complex and today the only thing remaining that connects them with their governing nation, India, is a 23-km stretch of land that transcends Tibet and Burma. They suffer from neglect, attacks, bad media coverage, and growing western influence through media. 
Of all the communities living in the North East, the youth are the most active; frustrated and willing to take action to create change. Their lives are continuously shaped by a colourful and dangerous concoction of militant rule, insurgent attacks, fear of speaking openly, and human rights violations. Struggling with their identity today, the youth are affected by confusion and feel the need to attach themselves to anything that will make them feel valued and whole…drugs, militancy, TV, and faith become their options. 
Amidst the difficulties of experience, and for the first time in the history of the North East, an opportunity has arisen as if out of the darkness which allows these youth to be free, be creative, and be peaceful. This opportunity is manifested in the form of a travelling festival of indigenous and western music called the ‘Roots Festival,’ founded by Spring Board Surprises, Keith Wallang and Anungla Longkumer. 
Keith and Anungla created the ‘Roots Festival’ in the year 2003. With support from a travelling band from Australia, they were able to give birth to an idea that would change lives forever. 
We have had the unique opportunity of documenting this remote part of the world during a time of significant social change; we have witnessed the personal and intimate transition many indigenous cultures have endured through colonisation and modernisation. At the forefront of this Keith Wallang and Anungla Longkumer, two humble people native to the North East, live by quotes as this ‘Great minds act in Silence.’ This non-political, eclectic movement brings a celebration of music that unites a younger generation, otherwise lost in the restrictions of a historical, political, cultural mess. 
The media contributes to the world’s perspective of a place and a people, the perspective from the Indian media of the North East is mostly negative, this message affects the very people the stories are about.

This film celebrates the voice of the people as they speak for themselves. 
The filmmakers discover people, ideas and experiences in the North East that inspire us as human beings – in the unique way ‘Roots’ represents an important aspect of humanity that the whole world would benefit from experiencing. Against the odds, these people have fought and fought for peace and freedom, and today, FINALLY, they are starting to see that happen.

"Music is the common language of the soul. In today’s conflict ridden world and in the context of the region only music can cement ties, forge bonds"...Lama Tashi

Motion Graphic Designer Ruth Templer

Script Proof Reader Jennifer Purvis

Live music recording Gavin Spokes assisted by Andrew from Dub Shack

Archival footage North East India News

'Roots on the Move' Tour directors Keith Wallang and Anungla Longkumer

Digitising Facility Borderless Productions

Production Manager 2006 Janette Searle

From our hearts special thanks to Keith and Anungla, you are true heroes, we love you. To the Wallang Family and Temsula Ao our North East family.

Momo, Umananda Irom, and Amit Saigal for your hospitality.

Rewben for your wisdom, and PhuNingDing your peaceful smile.

Arjun Sen (AJ), we would not have done it without your home cooked meals and a comfortable bed.

The musicians thank you for accepting us as part of the team on tour.

This film is dedicated to the people who talked, laughed, played music, and sang with us, for the people of the North East of India.

This film is made and funded independently.

Big VOICE LTD