'The train leaves at four' is a docu-fiction film of about 55 minutes. The film was shot with a family belonging to the 'Baiga' tribe, living in remote Madhya Pradesh, adjusting to "development" and will provide important insight into the question: YE KISKA DEVELOPMENT HO RAHA HAI AAKHIR KAAR?
As Lamu packs his sack to migrate towards the city to work along with the labour contractor, his aging mother grieves in silence. Even her other two sons are not around to console her.
While the eldest is working on the field, the youngest has set out early this morning towards the government office. He hopes to be employed in the village itself. Those hopes are soon shattered though and he is left overwhelmed. Much of what goes on in the government office – the official paperwork, the government schemes is lost in translation.
By the evening, as Lamu waits for the train to arrive, the contractor's condescending attitude and stinginess already makes it clear that he has signed up for a disaster, but it is too late for him to go back.
Meanwhile, crestfallen and influenced by his brother, the youngest son too confronts his mother and expresses a desire to leave for the city.
JURY SELECTIONS AND SCREENINGS:
NFDC INDIA FILM BAZAAR'S RECOMMENDED "VIEWING ROOM" 2015 LIST. GOA (Nov 20th -24th, 2015)INDIA STORY, 17th MAMI MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL, MUMBAI21st KOLKATA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, KOLKATA (14th to 21st November. The screening schedule is yet to be announced.
