The Story of the Weeping Camel is a heart-warming docu-drama about a
nomadic tribe in Mongolia and their association with and attachment to their
domesticated animals, especially camels. Though the story narrates the plight
of a new-born camel that is rejected by the mother, the free, happy un-baggaged
life of the nomads comes alive in the process.
Dirctor: Byambasuren Davaa
Dirctor: Luigi Falorni
Film Clip
What we come to know from the
film is that this tribe lives life as it comes to it. They are happy with
whatever they have and earn. They are not unduly concerned about amassing
possessions for posterity. They travel with their animals from place to place
in search of greener pastures and find life along the way.
Not that everything is hunky dory
for the wandering tribe. They have their lows as well. Animals and their
protection is their biggest concern. Here in the film, the calf is rejected by
the mother as it had to suffer a great deal while giving birth. The tradition
has it that the mother camel needs to be cajoled and nursed with singing and
music to the accompaniment of a traditional violin into accepting the young one.
The family in the film brings a musician from the town and then there is this moving
scene of the mother coming to terms and shedding tears. The union of the mother
and the calf is the ultimate climax that moves the audience as well.
For an outsider the life of a
nomadic might look primitive and short of all the novelty and excitement of the
modern buzz; but none can dispute the excitement that they find in their daily
joys of life, something that the stressed world would do well to cultivate.
The film is directed by Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni.
- Melwyn Pinto SJ
