Smiles from the Forest

The Paniya tribals of Wayanad and Nilambur, Kerala, playing, singing, dancing and smiling. Their spontaneous welcome to me and my camera is typical of the warmth of people still living close to nature. They live in villages at the edge of the forest, although they mostly have to work for outsiders to make their living these days. A few neighbouring tribes still live deeper in the forests by hunting and gathering.

I have created a new piece of guitar music as background to their wonderful faces. Thanks to Jaison and Kris for taking me there!

SMILES FROM THE FOREST from chinmaya dunster on Vimeo.

 

Shot in near darkness, on a cheap camera, this footage was rescued from police confiscation (we must have been having too much fun for some complainer!). The Paniya tribal children are ready to sin...