Category Archives: Arts & Culture

Art, Auroville and Storytelling

Suresh Jayaram is an artist, art historian, arts administrator and curator from Bangalore. He is the Founder and Director of Visual Art Collective 1shantiRoad, an international artist’s residency and alternative art space in Bangalore, India. He is also involved in urban mapping and cultural documentation of Bangalore and his column 'What You See When You See' seeks to tell local stories. He is an active participant of the Auroville Film Festival and is leading the Panel Discussions. He talks to us about art, history and Auroville and gives key advice on how to make culture accessible in a constantly changing context. You can learn more about his cutting edge space over here: http://www.1shanthiroad.com/


Comments: 0 Date: 05 Oct 2015

A moment with Philippe Borrel

Philippe Borrel is a French documentary movie director who is coming for the Auroville Film Festival to present his latest opus ''The invisible (r)evolutions". He will also be one of the jury and will give two workshops during his stay, and took a few moments to talk to us about his work.


Comments: 2 Date: 03 Oct 2015

Pan African Mix#3 MAMA2015

The 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards (aka the Mamas) has occurred on 18th of July in Durban, coinciding with Nelson Mandela‘s birthday.
2015 MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARD WINNERS:
Best Female: Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male: Davido (Nigeria)
Best Group: P-Square (Nigeria)
Best New Act Transformed by Absolut: Patoranking (Nigeria)
Best Hip Hop: Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
Best Collaboration: AKA, Burna Boy, Da LES & JR: “All Eyes On Me” (SA/Nigeria)
Song of the Year: Mavins: “Dorobucci” (Nigeria)
Best Live: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Video of the Year: “Nafukwa” – Riky Rick; Director: Adriaan Louw
Best Pop & Alternative: Jeremy Loops (South Africa)
Best Francophone: DJ Arafat (Ivory Coast)
Best Lusophone: Ary (Angola)
Personality of the Year: Trevor Noah (South Africa)
MAMA Evolution: D’Banj (Nigeria)
Best International: Nicki Minaj
Artist of the Decade: P-Square
MTV Base Leadership Award: Saran Kaba Jones & S’Bu Mavundla

playlist
Yemi Alade Johnny
Diamond Platnumz
ft. Mr. Flavour – Nana
Ary Não Me Faças Desistir
Diamond Platnumz - Mawazo
Mavins Dorobucci
Yemi Alade Sugar
P Square Ft T.I Ejeajo
D'banj - Knocking On My Door
DJ Arafat - C'est
moi -
Riky Rick - Nafukwa
Jeremy Loops - Down South (feat. Motheo Moleko)
DJ Xclusive Ft Sarkodie & Cassper Nyovest - Cash Only
P Square Taste the Money Testimony
Patoranking - My Woman
ft. Wande Coal
Cassper Nyovest - Phumakim (Official Music Video)
Davido - Dodo

AVFF15 Almost Here!

Marco and Tlaloc has stopped at our studio this morning and shared with us some details on already 4th Aurovile Film Festival which will start next Friday, 2nd at 5pm at Plazza in Town Hall. Festival itself is not only growing in numbers of films in all four categories but also in number of events which accompany it. So, again we can expect a real festival spirit for five days from next Friday onward... with some surprises on the way….


Comments: 0 Date: 26 Sep 2015

AVFF and Magnetic Fields

Day two of the Auroville Film Festival 2015 was full of screenings and delicious food and people milled about enjoying the festive atmosphere. People even referred to it as having a 'village fair vibe' as everyone got together, talking and laughing and even dancing. Magnetic Fields, consisting of Ellie and Philippe from Pondicherry, performed live in the evening at the Town Hall Plaza. You can learn more about them from their website: http://changetheworldmusic.yolasite.com


Comments: 0 Date: 05 Oct 2015

Off the Cuff-46

OTC's random topics of the day: Gandhi Jayanti an official holiday but the radio team was busy and preparations for the Film festival, which is opening today, were on-going. Movies from all over the world were collected and it is an exciting moment for all. Auroville was covered by the major Indian newspapers with positive articles regarding our cultural events and more. It's amazing to see how productive Auroville is. Meanwhile Pour Tous Water has its first birthday and Wazo suggests that BCC & Finance needs a collective re-thinking to look at how to move to a service society and a Fraternal Economy. Renu gives a brief report on wildlife sightings and the magic relation with nature in the Green Belt concerning wasps and bees. The Millidacious play and how to balance the free access to events organized in Auroville and the people who come from outside and the costs faced by the artists? To support Off the Cuff and the Auroville Radio please visit the page: http://www.aurovilleradio.org/donate


Comments: 0 Date: 03 Oct 2015

Millidacious with Soul

After many months of preparations, rehearsals, mega production of musical Millidacious is on the stage. Simple story by Paul about and around the mouse Mili, a mouse with the soul who can see beyond borders and have a heart to oversee the differences, and always looks for the best in the one next to her; who after all contributes to solve the life threatening conditions, and reunite real love… About hundred performing, many behind and around the stage, a musical kept the audience on seats anticipating the next moment, next song and dance. Millidacious has proven again that our community is very creative, and leaves no one who would like to participate out. Actors are becoming better and better, regardless the age. Songs home made inspire to dance and sing along. Amazing, fun, soulful.

And the proverb If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together applies here as for the story as for the whole production of the musical. Written by Paul. Songs by Paul and Matt. Musical arrangement by Matt. Additional lyrics Clare, Mukta, Swaha. Bast in order of appearance – Aloe, Dinesh, Ahilya, Mir, Krishna, Emanuele, Alyana, Anandamayi, Clare, Jana, Wazo, Kripa, Leela, Jesse, Tara, Pooja, Anadi, Sita, Otto, Hannah, Zohar, Sauman, Maheshan, Eden, Amara, Marissa, Noemie, Mira, Yam, Veronique. Additional cast members – Avvalyar, Gregori, Gugielmo, India, Kalou, Sama, Elke, Elodie, Kaeridwyn, Kilan, Sarah, Suresh, Yogesh, Barath, Claire, Milo, Nadir, Pele, Sudarsana, Zara, Ishan, Mael, Soledad, Surya, Yael, Zoe, Asia, Madu, Thalia. Youth Choir – Abitha, Auroshree, Cameron, Chandra, Daniel, Wurydice, Harsh, Hye Yoon, Janbchup, Manisa, Masha, Priyam Rathna. Production director – Paul Assistant Production Director – Mukta Stage Director – Jesse Choreography – Elodie Costume design and stylist – Jyotis Costume assistant – Gabi, Aurdha, Gabi Set – Nele, Shona, Grazi, Sabrina, Nicole, Tashi, Renu, Wouter Carpenters – Adhi, Prakash, Raji, Suresh, Ayenar Scaffolding – Anad and Matrimadnir crew Make up – Jo, Ange, Nicle, Karen Musicians – Matt – piano, Txuma – bass, Matthia – drums, Andy – rhythm guitar, Edo – lead Guitar, Gregori – keyboards Assistant musical director – Swaha Singing direction – Nuria Sound – Ruben, Antonio, Saga Lighting design – Mahi Lighting crew – Smiti, Shristi, Kumaran, Manjula, Ashwin, Jean Follow spots – Nasim, Dinesh S Prompting – Pala Stund coordinator – Glenn, Hedia Filming – Doris, Francis Graphic Design – Sabrina Illustrations – Shona Catering – Auradha, Angela, Jessamijn Funding – SAIIER and FWE Recording – Auroville Radio
More images here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.728958897235723.1073741833.585209978277283&type=1&l=3e73641f33 And here: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2oR-RfsTYbVMGdzZmN5bmJSUlU&usp=drive_web


Comments: 0 Date: 29 Sep 2015

Contributing to Human Unity AVFF, 3 Oct, Panel talks, Day 1

Contributing to Human Unity is the theme and of the Auroville Film Festival 2015 and every day there are moderated discussions, or round tables, discussing the films that are being screened in the category of films that develop the theme of human unity. These will happen every day at the SAIIER Conference Room between 2.30 to 3.30pm, from 3rd to 7th of October. This year Sasi, along with Suresh Jayaram, will be leading those discussions. The following is the recording of today's round-table panel discussion where Phillipe Borrel, Mr. Ramanam, and Doris joined Sasi, and Suresh.


Comments: 0 Date: 03 Oct 2015

Auroville Film Festival 2015

Yes, it is on! Official opening of Auroville Film Festival 2015 just finished at Town Hall on Plazza, actually was interrupted with rain. But we managed to hear all the details about next five days from Marco and Tlaloc, we heard about four categories the films are in, and the venue of screening from 9.30am til late night. Other details where shared with Sasi, and Kaerdwyn invited us to participate in the socializing part of the festival - music and food. Short Rwandan song and dance has started the opening with great anticipation form the audience, Sadhana Forest contributed drummers on recycled drums, and children from Yatra were eager to share with us a short story, comedy about their lives which was interrupted by the shower. AVFF15 is indeed a community event by the community for the community, and next five days will be full of festive spirit with excellent and interesting movies, some good music, and food affordable to all.


Comments: 0 Date: 02 Oct 2015

Saxophone Saint

John William Coltrane, also known as "Trane" (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967), was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and was later at the forefront of free jazz. He led at least fifty recording sessions during his career, and appeared as a sideman on many albums by other musicians, including trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk. As his career progressed, Coltrane and his music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension. Coltrane influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant saxophonists in music history. He received many posthumous awards and recognitions, including canonization by the African Orthodox Church as Saint John William Coltrane and a special Pulitzer Prize in 2007. For todays program we chosen one of his famous albums Africa Brass Playlist Max Roach - All Africa Miles Davis Quintet - Airegin Johtn Coltrane - Liberia John Coltrane - Tunji John Coltrane - Africa John Coltrane - Dahomey Dance John Coltrane Dakar Dakar John Coltrane Ogunde John Coltrane - Tanganyika Trust John Coltrane Gold Coast John Coltrane Dial Africa


Comments: 0 Date: 26 Sep 2015
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