One only needs to look at the living root bridges of Meghalaya to know that the Khasi tribe has a special relationship with nature. Nowhere in the world, arguably, would one see such mastery of nature-based architecture. The bridges, made of intertwining aerial roots of two trees, first appeared in a written record more than 100 years ago. Ever since, curiosity about these structures has only grown.
And so, filmmaker Avi Kabir set out to Dawki. In his upcoming film Entangled Lives, Kabir captures the intricate relationship between the Khasi people and living root bridges. The New York-based filmmaker and writer, an alumnus of the New York University, says his intention in capturing the lives of the Khasi people is rooted in a fascination with how their culture embodies an intricate dialogue between science and storytelling. Here, community wisdom and practical engineering meet in a poetic and rigorously functional way. “In their predominantly oral tradition, folktales and songs serve not only as a means of getting the community together, but also as vessels for complex ecological and engineering principles,” he says. “For instance, what might sound like a story about an ‘angry river’ carries nuanced teachings on climate change, sustainability and design.”
The film follows a young girl called Aati and her grandmother as they face the challenges of crossing a river. Narrated by a Khasi singer, the tale moves to the melodies and cadence of the tribe’s life.
The living root bridges are the result of patience and persistence. Their strength increases over time and, in a decade or two, they are strong enough to hold 35 to 40 people at a time.
Those who start nurturing these bridges from young rubber tree roots might not see the fruits of their labour in their lifetime, but they do give the gift of nature to the next generation. “This persistent, inter-generational investment fascinates me,” says Kabir. “It is an understanding that true resilience and connectivity are cultivated over time.”
For the young filmmaker, it was the poetry of Khasi poet U Soso Tham that made him aware of the Khasis’ profound connection to their roots―both literal and metaphorical. His imagery, such as “The pine who grows from wind-borne seeds... His roots hold firm beneath the rock, no storm can do its wrenching worst,” became a poetic mirror for the living root bridges.
This made him document the traditions of the Khasi people. “I chose to interweave live footage with animated storytelling, a creative decision of our animation artist, Dolker Angotsang,” he says.
The film unit spent a year in the Khasi and War-Jaintia villages―in places like Kundeng Thymmai, Kunden Grim, Konglah, and Amkoi―and interviewed 10 villagers in their native languages. Cinematographer Jall Cowasji set the frames. Rather than being observers appearing as ‘intimidating outsiders’, they chose to work alongside the community to earn their trust. “In this process, the villagers went from subjects to collaborators, and their role extended far beyond that of guides,” says Kabir. “They led us down steep valleys, shared their knowledge of the challenging landscape, and looked after us in ways only they could. They ensured our safety, managed our meals, and helped us navigate the remote, often treacherous terrain that would have been daunting without their experience.”
In the past few years, the living root bridges have attracted international attention. In 2022, while congratulating Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Indians in the UK the ‘living bridge’ between the two nations. Currently, these bridges are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The film becomes an important campaign for this recognition, which would increase global visibility and provide access to resources needed for preservation efforts, says Kabir. “Furthermore, government grants for interdisciplinary storytelling projects can empower filmmakers and researchers to explore and share indigenous practices, making cultural empathy a foundation for public understanding.”
The film is supported by the Rubin X Project, the Meghalaya government, and the World Bank. It will be sent to multiple international film festivals before it releases early next year. “Our film,” says Kabir, “demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in amplifying and protecting lesser-known traditions.”
For the locals, this film is a testament to their “living history”. “The bridges, while practical, are also cultural monuments that have withstood generations,” says Kabir. “By showcasing the voices of Khasi villagers, this film amplifies their unique dialects and narratives, bringing forward a cultural heritage that mainstream media rarely highlights.”