Thiruvananthapuram- The Siddi community is an ethnic African group brought to India between the 7th and 17th centuries through the Arab slave trade and maritime trade routes. "Rhythm of Damam" (2024), a significant film that brings to light the story of the Siddi community, will be screened at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The film will be shown in the "International Competition" category during the festival in Thiruvananthapuram from December 13 to 20.

"Rhythm of Damam" is set in Yellapur in North Kannada district of Karnataka, which has a large population of Hindu Siddis. All the main actors in the film are from the non-actor community. Chinamya Siddi plays the lead role of Jayaram Siddi. Other actors include Prashant Siddi, Girija Siddi, Nagaraj Siddi, and Mohan Siddi.

The film tells the story of 12-year-old Jayaram Siddi, who is haunted by the spirit of his deceased grandfather. Whether he seeks help from local black magicians or tries other methods, Jayaram's condition does not improve. Eventually, he escapes into a dream world where he connects with his ancestors through his grandfather's magical instruments. He becomes overwhelmed by the painful history of his ancestors' slavery and becomes unable to connect with reality. The family resorts to tribal rituals and Damam music to try to improve Jayaram's condition.

The film is directed by Jayan Cherian, who is from Kerala and holds an MFA in Filmmaking from City College New York. He also completed a BA in Film and Creative Writing from Hunter College. Cherian's films have been screened at film festivals worldwide, including the Berlin International Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Kolkata International Film Festival, and Montreal World Film Festival.

His career includes notable titles such as Ka Bodyscapes (2016), Papilio Buddha (2013), The Shape of the Shapeless (2010), and the much-anticipated Rhythm of Dammam (2024). Cherian has also made significant contributions to numerous documentaries and short films over the course of his career.

The film also had its premiere in November at the 55th Indian International Film Festival in Goa. "Rhythm of Damam" sheds a sympathetic light on the challenges of a community. But the film not only gives voice to the voiceless but also speaks to those who find themselves in a corner of history.

The Siddi Community in India

The Siddi community is an ethnic African group brought to India by Arabs in the 7th century. Later, the Portuguese and British also enslaved them. The Siddis are descendants of the Bantu people from Southeast Africa. Despite their African roots, they have been living in India for generations and have integrated into local cultures. Many have adopted local languages, religions, and customs while maintaining some aspects of their African heritage.

There are approximately 50,000 Siddis in India, primarily residing in coastal areas of Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, they are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, while in Gujarat, they were acknowledged as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in 1982.

In Gujarat, the villages of Jambur and Sirvan have significant Siddi populations. Many Siddis live in the Gir forest and surrounding areas, and it is said that there are around 15,000 Siddis in Junagadh. Some of them work as tourist guides in the Gir forests.

The Siddis predominantly follow Sunni Islam, although some are Hindus or connected to the Catholic Church. Their traditional dress is a mix of Hindu and Muslim attire, and they are non-vegetarian. Siddi women are generally considered of lower status compared to men in society.

Dance and music are integral to the cultural identity of the Siddis. They are particularly renowned for their expressive dance form, Siddi Dhamal, which portrays their communal life. The cultural heritage of the Siddis dates back almost 300 years, and their dance and music are unique and captivating

In the 1980s, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) launched a special sports program for Siddi children, resulting in several young boys and girls participating in national sports events.

Shantharam Budna Siddi, from Karnataka, became the first Siddi person to be elected as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC).

The most famous Siddi ruler in India was Malik Ambar (1548–1626), who gained historical recognition for his strategic acumen and military leadership.

Historically faced significant social marginalization and discrimination, the Siddi community's story is a fascinating example of migration, adaptation, and cultural resilience in the Indian subcontinent.