A quiet life in the hills of Meghalaya, a career spent nurturing young minds through English literature – these were the hallmarks of Biana Watre Momin’s existence until recently. Now, at 70, the retired college teacher is experiencing a life transformation, one sparked by an unexpected foray into the world of cinema. Momin has become the lead actress in Eko, a Malayalam-language film that has unexpectedly altered the course of her life.
The journey began with a nudge from her daughter. Initially hesitant, concerned about the distance from home and the unfamiliar language, Momin was encouraged to embrace the opportunity. “But my daughter nudged me, saying, ‘Have faith in yourself and try something new,’” she recounted to the BBC. That encouragement proved pivotal, leading her over 3,000 kilometers south from the Garo Hills to Kerala.
Eko, which translates to “echo,” presents a stark contrast to Momin’s previous life. The film centers around Mlathi Chettathi, an enigmatic elder living in isolation within the Western Ghats, a region known for its dense forests and misty landscapes. Momin’s character anchors the film’s narrative and its atmospheric setting. The role demanded she navigate a language she didn’t understand, trusting in the director’s vision and the unfolding process of filming.
For Momin, a member of the Garo tribe, an indigenous community in Meghalaya, acting wasn’t a childhood dream. Growing up, her town lacked both cinemas and theatres. Her artistic expression was largely confined to the classroom, a space she playfully acknowledges as a “kind of performance” in itself. Her background is rooted in academia, having spent her career teaching at Tura Government College, with a particular fondness for Romantic poetry. The prospect of being framed by a camera felt distant, even improbable.
The impact of Eko extends beyond simply launching an acting career for Momin. It represents a significant moment for representation within Indian cinema. While details about the film’s plot remain somewhat sparse, its focus on a character from an indigenous community, portrayed by a member of that same community, signals a potential shift towards greater inclusivity. What we have is particularly noteworthy given the historical underrepresentation of tribal communities in mainstream Indian film.
The story of Biana Watre Momin resonates with a broader cultural conversation about second acts and defying expectations. Her experience challenges conventional notions of age and opportunity, demonstrating that new passions and adventures can emerge at any stage of life. It’s a narrative that speaks to the power of embracing the unexpected and the importance of familial support in pursuing unconventional paths.
The film’s director, Pan Nalin, is known for his work in global co-productions and his commitment to showcasing Indian cinema on the international stage. Recent reports indicate Nalin was navigating challenges in securing financing for a martial arts action project due to geopolitical shifts impacting US-China relations, highlighting the complexities of international film production. However, his focus on projects like Eko demonstrates a continued dedication to telling unique and compelling stories.
While the specifics of Eko’s release and reception are still developing, the film has already garnered attention for its unconventional casting and its exploration of themes rooted in the Indian landscape. The story of Biana Watre Momin, the teacher turned actress, is a testament to the transformative power of cinema and the enduring human capacity for reinvention. Her journey, from a quiet life in Meghalaya to the heart of the Malayalam film industry, is a compelling narrative that is sure to inspire audiences and spark conversations about representation, opportunity and the courage to embrace the unknown.
The New Zealand Film Commission is also actively seeking to strengthen ties with the Indian film industry, unveiling enhanced incentive packages to attract co-productions. This initiative, beginning , aims to position New Zealand as a more competitive destination for Indian filmmakers, potentially opening up further opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations and diverse storytelling.
