About the Film

"A Sound Democracy" is an exploration of the use of sound systems in sound cultures, specifically in the creation of a soundscape for a violent mob. The documentary delves into the complex relationship between sound and collective behaviour, shedding light on the significant role it plays in shaping our social landscape.

As you become one with the crowd, your individual identity may blend into a collective organism—a sentient entity of its own. Here, you relinquish your independence, swept up in what we call the 'mob.' The mob moves as one, marching to a rhythm and guided by a soundtrack. This unifying force, however, is not inherently for the good; it's a double-edged sword. What defines the soundtrack of a mob?

What messages does it convey? In this age of DJ soundsystem, how has this phenomenon shaped the reality we strive to maintain in a democratic society?

About the Director

Dhananjai Sinha is an ethnographic filmmaker, working in the field of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. His film work began in the field of music ethnography and has subsequently made films on themes related to love, citizenship, ecology, camera, and surveillance. 

A Sound Democracy (2023) his latest film, is an exploration into sound, politics, and citizenship – currently being screened across the country. The film is produced by Conflictorium, a narrative-building organization committed to promoting conflict resolution through artistic and cultural practices.

Event Details

June 8th, Saturday

7:30 pm

Harkat, Versova

Duration : 67 mins | Hindi with English subtitles

About Harkat

Harkat is an international boutique arts studio with a passion for film, new media, community art spaces and contemporary art. Based in Mumbai & Berlin, Harkat takes many forms and identities across disciplines & related creative industries. As an alternative performance & arts space, we have hosted more than 150 shows in the past year in the mediums of theatre, film, music, community projects & contemporary art. We support the new, unheard, upcoming, exciting, cutting edge, the political, the forgotten, nostalgic, melancholic, soul stirring, the beautiful & more. And that's what Harkat is. Harkat.