Siddiq's 'mobile venture' moves towards history

Siddiq By Faris Arakkal It was sheer determination that helped him tread through the road less travelled. Even in the midst of acute poverty, he nursed an ambition to become a film maker. Thus through the eyes of a small mobile phone, he became the first mobile documentary film maker from Kerala. Thora, a documentary on the reminiscence of Jewish existence at his native place Mala, was widely accepted and appreciated and thus Siddiq PI, became famous in no time. Siddiq is a third year degree student of St Theresa's College, Kottakkal, Mala. His craze for films was inborn. In childhood, he used to act out the roles played by the established actors in the films he watched. His ambition to become an actor made him a keen viewer of films. Thora, his documentary was also an eye opener as it portrayed a diminishing culture that existed years back in the district. He filmed the synagogue and the other remainings of the Jewish life from the place. Siddiq's happiness knew no bounds when he got a phone call from 'The week' magazine asking the details of his work. It doubled as he knew that a jewish journalist was coming from Mumbai to meet him. His other works include a documentary on Tsunami which was adjudged the best in a contest organised by a Mumbai-based film society. Another short fim 'A farmers sorrow', which brought him the'best director award' once, had screened at festivals. 'Who loves you', a short film on a lost love, had also been widenly acclaimed. He could not send his films to several award fests due to financial constraints. So he thought of 'mobile filming' as it was less expensive and more creative. "Thank god, I was blessed with lovely parents", says Siddiq. While directing 'A farmer's sorrow', Siddiq wanted to get an actor to play the title. As he had no money to give, no one accepted the role. Then his father came forward and made a superb performance as the farmer. Siddiq made several futile attempts to get an entry to the film world. When called, some film personalities discouraged him while some others termed his requests as 'gibberishes'. Even then Siddiq decided to go ahead with his dreams. Meanwhile he successfully initiated an audio magazine for his college. Siddiq' s dreams of doing a regular course in any of the established film institutes. But it is not so easy for him. Because his mother, who is working as a charwoman for a meagre salary in Goverment Hospital, Mala, is the only earning member of the family. His friends Ansar Majeed, Alsham, AkkbarAli, and Renjith gives his courage and confidence. They christened this circle as "creative boys. "We know nothing about the various types of shots, but we call them by different names such as 'Shaji shot', 'Sathyan Anthikad shot', and 'Adoorian shot'.