Amidst the rhythmic chaos of daily life, resides a man in khaki whose multifaceted persona transcends the realm of law enforcement. Meet 2011 batch IPS officer Dyutiman Bhattacharya, the man behind the thought-provoking documentary, “Let There be Darkness.” Beyond the corridors of justice and order, Mr. Bhattacharya is a film enthusiast, actor, writer, illustrator, graphic novelist, wildlife photographer, and a dedicated runner.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Bhattacharya, who is posted as SP, Cooch Behar, shared about his documentary.
LET THERE BE DARKNESS
For Mr. Bhattacharya, the love affair with film-making began long ago. With a passion for the big screen and a penchant for documentaries, he embarked on a cinematic journey that would shed light on a subject often overlooked – light pollution. ‘Let There be Darkness’ is not his cinematic debut; he previously ventured into the world of cinema with a documentary on metal workers in 2006. However, this time, the lens turned towards the skies, unveiling a celestial symphony drowned by the cacophony of city lights.
The 18-minute documentary, crafted over six months with a budget of Rs. 50,000, is more than a visual masterpiece. It’s a poignant exploration into the detrimental effects of light pollution on our environment, wildlife, human health, and aesthetics. As Mr. Bhattacharya passionately describes, “The stars are diminishing because of the city lights. Darkness is required so that we can understand the effect of light.”
The documentary has received two awards at a film festival in Florence, Italy and is currently being screened at a festival in Vila Real, Portugal.
FOUR ASPECTS
‘Let There be Darkness’ unfolds in four compelling aspects of light pollution. Firstly, the documentary captures the nostalgia of a starry sky, a luxury lost to urbanization. The stars and the milky way, once visible from city landscapes, now fade into oblivion under the relentless glow of artificial lights.
Secondly, the impact on fauna is starkly portrayed. Nocturnal creatures like crows, confused by perpetual illumination, disrupt the natural rhythm of day and night.
The third facet delves into the repercussions on human health. The constant glow of LED lights disrupts sleep patterns, affecting the well-being of the people.
While discussing about the fourth aspect aesthetics, Mr. Bhattacharya notes, “Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘Light is not an end; even darkness has its beauty.'”
The documentary features insightful interviews with amateur astronomer Biswarup Ray, environmental scientist Dr. Swati Nandi Chakraborty, art historian Debdutta Gupta, and microbiology professor Dr. Ranjan Basu. Each expert sheds light on the diverse consequences of light pollution.
CHALLENGES
Shooting ‘Let There be Darkness’ came with its set of challenges, particularly capturing the myriad artificial lights omnipresent in our lives. Night shoots and capturing birds in the dark demanded a skilled crew and specialized equipment.
Yet, Mr. Bhattacharya’s commitment extends beyond the camera lens. A marathon runner, an illustrator for books, and a wildlife photographer, he seamlessly juggles his diverse pursuits. Asked about this balancing act, he reveals, “I don’t do all this every day. It’s about passion and commitment.”
In a reflective conclusion, Mr. Bhattacharya emphasizes the urgency of addressing pollution and climate change. “We are losing biodiversity and animals at a rapid rate. This is a fight against time; if only we can borrow some time through our good deeds.”
