Cover A film still from Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
A film still from Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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Pradip Kurbah conjures a futuristic India where a remote and nearly abandoned town succumbs to the realities of migration and cosmopolitanism with his acclaimed film ‘The Elysian Field’
Greek mythology introduced us to the concept of the Elysian Fields. Distinct from the gloomy underworld of Hades, it is a glorified place of respite for heroes and demigods. Serene and beautiful, the Elysian Fields connote freedom from the toils and sorrows of earthly existence.
The question of what happens to our souls when we pass away looms throughout Indian filmmaker Pradip Kurbah’s critically acclaimed film, The Elysian Field. Here, it is not only a question of what comes next but also of the nostalgic past that the characters must leave behind if they wish to keep pace with the changing times.
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Above Film poster of Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’
Film poster of Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’
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Set against the tranquil landscapes of the secluded Meghalaya village in the East Khasi hills, The Elysian Field is a slice-of-life film following the journey of Livingstone and his fellow villagers. As they bond over their shared experiences of love and longing, they find solace in each other’s company while seeking new meaning in their fast-changing lives in a nearly abandoned town. The film follows an ensemble of six remaining residents as they cope with grief and loneliness in the face of urban migration.
Weaving together multiple narratives in a grand tapestry of human experience, the meditative film focuses on human emotions as it narrates how Livingstone and the villagers stand as beacons of resilience, offering hope against a backdrop of loss and solitude.
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Above The official trailer of Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’
“The story explores the choices elderly individuals face between loneliness and solitude, emphasising that it is their decision to make—not that of their children or society’s,” director Kurbah says, concluding that the film portrays the resilience and strength that emerge from embracing change and cherishing the connections that matter most.
The film, with its simplistic production design, leverages the landscapes’ allure and captivates audiences with its hauntingly beautiful score, thanks to the choir that is the figment of the characters’ imagination whenever they get closer to death. The Elysian Field, filmed across four different seasons, reflects the cycles everyone experiences in life, adding that the evocative storytelling and heartfelt performances highlight the beauty of human connection and the transformative power of community.
Above A film still from Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
A film still from Pradip Kurbah’s ‘The Elysian Field’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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The Elysian Field had its world premiere at the Moscow International Film Festival earlier this year, where it earned Best Director, Best Film and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) awards.
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival welcomed it as a fitting opening film of its recently concluded 21st season, whose theme revolved around independent filmmakers navigating the challenges of an evolving cinematic landscape.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
