December 7, 2025 at 8:00:00 PM

AFS Cinema

Austin Premiere

Rhythm of Dammam

India | Narrative Feature

2024 | 92 min | Konkani,Kannada

Live Q&A with Writer-Director, Jayan Cherian, following the screening

Followed by a member mixer at VIVO.

TICKETS

In Uttara Kannada, India, Jayaram Siddi, a twelve-year-old boy, is believed to be 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 to connect with his ancestors. However, he becomes overwhelmed by

the agonizing history of his ancestors' chattel slavery, losing touch with reality. Jayaram drops out of school, and his family strives to restore his balance by embracing tribal rituals and Dammam music, both vital to their cultural heritage. The film delves in Jayaram's struggle with the intergenerational trauma, emphasizing the challenges faced by him and his family in finding healing and stability.
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For historical context, the Siddis are an ethnically Southeast African community who have been in India since ~600 CE, coming either as soldiers in Arab armies or as enslaved people brought into the ports.

About the Artist

Jayan Cherian, from Kerala, holds an MFA in filmmaking from The City College of New York as well as a BA in film and creative writing from Hunter College. He has received numerous honors and recognition for his cinematic works, which have been featured at prestigious film festivals around the world, including the Berlin International Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, BFI London Lesbian Gay Film Festival, NARA International Film Festival, Rio-de-Janeiro International Film Festival, Kolkata International Film Festival, and Montreal World Film Festival. His career features notable titles including Ka Bodyscapes (2016), Papilio Buddha (2014), The Shape of the Shapeless (2010), and the much-awaited Rhythm of Dammam (2024). He has also contributed significantly to numerous documentaries and short films over the course of his career.

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The live Q&A will be moderated by Jacqueline Rush Rivera.

Jacqueline is dedicated to seeking out and supporting hidden cultural gems and sharing their stories through a decolonial framework. She has curated film exhibitions, directed film festival programs, directed film distribution projects, designed large and complex art exhibitions, stage managed theater productions, and has worked in a variety of cultural spaces. She currently contributes to projects for VoxFem Festival, Cinema Without Borders, and LeRay Music. Born on the Island of Borinquen/Puerto Rico, Jacqueline is a long-time resident of Austin, Tejas. Libraries, dancehalls, and mountain tops are some of her favorite things.