God's own people (2016)

God means differently to different people; in different parts of world. But what remains same is the sense of faith, devotion and spiritual fulfillment. Lord Jagannath worshipped in the temple town of Puri town (East coast of India),means such to the people of Odisha. A God changes its body like the eternal soul does in the Hindu way of Living. The ritual is called Nabakalebara meaning new incarnation for Jagannath deity worshipped in the temple town of Puri in Odisha, eastern coast of India. This ritual happens according to a complex calculation based on stellar positions and its affect on the Hindu calendar. This rare ritual took place last year after nineteen years. A tree nurtured lovingly by a household gets chosen to build the new idols for the God. This becomes a moment to explore ideas of anticipation, love, longing, separation faith and surrender to God. 'God's own People' is a feature length narrative documentary showcases Odiya people's relationship with God. The film moves on two broad planes. One, how the temple servitors ventured out from the Puri temple and located the right trees from which new idols for the deities would be made. The servitors execute the ritual with outmost surrender, rigour and austerity; taking necessary measures to keep the knowledge secret. Two, a household from whose front yard a Neem tree is selected to be the God. Gods' Own People is an intimate document of human faith narrated as a cinematic story.