Bottle Masala in Moile

Filmmaker Vaidehi Chitre's documentary short centers on a hitherto unheralded ethnic segment of society on the teeming Indian subcontinent. "East Indians," found in and around the megalopolis of Mumbai (especially in the environs of Gorai and Dharavi), are descendants of Portugal's colonial intrusions, a cross-cultural influence that was almost completely obliterated by the rival domination of the British Raj. East Indians have Portuguese names, engage in Catholic religious rituals, and have a distinct sense of ethnic identity. Alarmingly, land-grabs in Mumbai (one for an amusement-park project) and corruption-ridden public works are threatening to destroy the farms and fishing areas inherent to the East Indian way of life. Offering a disturbing look at the problems facing a threatened community, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)