It is a time-tested truism that folk cultures, tribal heritage, and old style of living preserve the ecology in a sustained manner, this package is not only the best way to do it, but also readily available to show it is indeed a most workable way.
In the rain-soaked hills of Northeast India, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, lies a unique testament to human ingenuity and environmental harmony — the living root bridges, locally known as Jingkieng Jri. These remarkable structures, crafted from the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree, are the focus of “Entangled Lives,” a documentary directed by filmmaker Avi Kabir, who completed his Master of Fine Arts in Directing and Writing from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and is mentored by renowned filmmaker Spike Lee.
Avi Kabir, an award-winning visionary, brings fresh themes and ideas to the forefront by highlighting social and egalitarian issues. Rather than relying on National Geographic films for inspiration, Kabir immersed himself in the jungles of Meghalaya to capture the astounding, yet little-known phenomenon of the living root bridges.
Adding depth and visual richness to the documentary is cinematographer Jall Cowasji, whose expertise in both fiction and non-fiction work shines through. Known for his recent project, ‘Lootere’, an action-drama series set in Somalia, and the National Award-winning ‘Qissa-e Parsi: The Parsi Story’. Cowasji’s lens brings an intimate and authentic portrayal of the living root bridges, enhancing Kabir’s narrative with stunning visuals that resonate with the film’s themes of ecological preservation and human resilience.
To the jungles of Meghalaya
It is a time-tested truism that folk cultures, tribal heritage, and old style of living preserve the ecology in a sustained manner, this package is not only the best way to do it, but also readily available to show it is indeed a most workable way. On the surface, The Living Root Bridge addresses a basic, practical concern: connecting isolated villages. However, one can also witness how a community responds to natural disasters, finds an empathetic solution, and engages deeply with the environment. Engineers and botanists could look to these structures for inspiration in developing a new class of buildings that coexist with and actively improve the natural environment.
Avi Kabir, a young but ace film director has shown us the way. He is an award-winning visionary who puts his NYU film direction training into fresh themes and ideas by highlighting social and egalitarian issues. He didn’t put on any National Geographic films to understand it. Instead, Avi Kabir went to the jungles of Meghalaya to record an amazing, yet the little-known phenomenon of “living root bridges”
Vibrant oral storytelling tradition
“Entangled Lives” takes audiences deep into the heart of Meghalaya, where isolated villages have thrived for centuries amidst a challenging monsoon climate. In these remote communities, rivers and streams, swollen by incessant rains, become formidable barriers, cutting off villages from one another. Yet, in response to this environmental challenge, the Khasi people have developed an eco-friendly, sustainable solution—the living root bridges.Unlike bamboo bridges that are quickly washed away by floods or iron structures that rust and decay, the living root bridges are enduring, resilient, and profoundly connected to the land they traverse. These bridges, some of which are over a hundred years old, are not just functional structures; they are living, growing entities that embody the deep relationship between the Khasi people and their environment.
Avi draws inspiration from the vibrant oral storytelling tradition of the Khasi people, bringing to life the tale of a young girl named Aati and her grandmother as they navigate the challenges of crossing a river during the monsoon season. This animated narrative, narrated by the renowned Khasi singer Amabel Susngi and accompanied by the haunting notes of a Duitara, is interwoven with documentary footage that captures the voices and experiences of villagers from Kundeng Thymmai, Kunden Grim, Konglah, and Amkoi.
Through interviews with ten individuals who speak the native languages of Khasi and War-Jantia, the film provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. Their stories reveal a deep, almost spiritual connection to the living root bridges and the rivers they span.
“Living history” of the Khasi Hills
For the Khasi people, “Entangled Lives” is a celebration of their heritage and a powerful reminder of their ancestors’ wisdom. The living root bridges are more than just practical structures—they’re living pieces of history, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has largely gone undocumented. The film captures the voices of these villagers in their native tongues, bringing their stories to a broader audience.
But the film’s significance extends beyond the Khasi Hills. For viewers around the world, “Entangled Lives” offers a unique perspective on how communities can respond to natural disasters with empathy, creativity, and a deep respect for the environment. Engineers, botanists, and environmentalists might even find inspiration in these living structures, which show that it’s possible to create buildings that not only coexist with nature but also enhance it.
What is noteworthy, significant, and worthy of emulation, is that these “living, root bridges” of the Khasi Hills in north-eastern India are as old as the ecology of their habitat. They are not planned by architects. They are not built by construction companies. They are not fleeced during the payment process by any corrupt “system sharks”. They pose no environmental dangers. They never collapse like some steel-and-girder bridges in Bihar. And being part of the local ingenuity and ecology, they are friendly to everyone, helpful, and life-sustaining.
Avi Kabir, the filmmaker, has brought to light this little-known “living history” of the Khasi Hills and the sublime brilliance of its people to craft these pieces of pure art. Now, upon its release in a few months from now, the Meghalaya Govt is hoping to use his film to support the inclusion of Meghalaya’s “hanging bridges,” made entirely of botanical matter, in the UNESCO Heritage List.
Link to trailer Entangled Lives: https://www.avikabir.com/entangledlives
Alok Sinha is a keen environmentalist and agriculture specialist. He is a former Additional Secretary of the Government of India.
