Twelve-year-old Jayaram Siddi is haunted by his late grandfather's spirit. He loses touch with reality. His family embraces tribal rituals and Dammam music to restore his balance and address inter-generational trauma.
"Rhythm of Dammam" is a groundbreaking production that sheds light on the little-known Siddi community in India. This community, also known as Sheedi or Habshi, resides primarily in regions like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Hyderabad in Telangana. Their ancestry can be traced back to the Bantu people from Southeast Africa, who were brought to the Indian subcontinent as slaves by Portuguese traders between 1530 and 1740, many of whom originated from Mozambique.
Although slavery was declared illegal in British India by 1835 (and continued until 1865 in Portuguese-controlled Goa), the Siddi people faced a different form of bondage within India's complex caste system after abolition. Despite some progress in Indian society over the years, the Siddi community still experiences discrimination and marginalization, hindering their social and economic mobility due to their position within the caste hierarchy.
Nevertheless, the Siddi community has shown remarkable resilience in preserving their unique cultural identity. They have achieved this by maintaining their ancestral customs while incorporating elements of Indian culture, particularly traditional Dammam music and tribal rituals.
The journey of the Siddi people, from enslavement to their current caste-based challenges, is a moving tale of determination and survival. It highlights the enduring impact of societal oppression while also showcasing the strength of cultural heritage and community solidarity.
The film "Rhythm of Dammam" offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of caste, race, and identity in contemporary Indian society. It encourages viewers to question their preconceptions and biases while acknowledging the resilience of the human spirit in its pursuit of dignity and freedom.
The story revolves around Jayaram Siddi, a twelve-year-old boy in Uttara Kannada, who is possessed by the spirit of his late grandfather, Rama Bantu Siddi. Despite seeking help from local black magicians, Jayaram's condition remains unchanged. He escapes into a dream world using magical instruments from his grandfather, connecting with his ancestors but becoming overwhelmed by the painful history of their chattel slavery. Jayaram drops out of school, and his family tries to restore his balance by embracing tribal rituals and Dammam music, essential elements of their cultural heritage. The film explores Jayaram's struggle with inter generational trauma and emphasizes the challenges faced by him and his family in finding healing and stability.
