Waste is something that most people really don’t want to think about. Out of sight, out of mind. Especially so with sewage.

I set off to make a film about the story of water in Bangalore, for Science Gallery Bengaluru’s exhibition Sci560. But this thought from the team got me thinking about how to narrow that focus: “What’s the story of water after it’s used?”

I recently got the opportunity to make a film about sewage in Bangalore, a project commissioned by Science Gallery Bengaluru, and funded by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

Down The Drain is a documentary-fiction film about Bangalore’s sewage, told from the perspective of a woman who accidentally flushes a watch down the toilet.

In tracing the journey that the watch takes from the toilet, the woman gets glimpses into the pipes and people that make up the sewage system in the city, and observes the system as well as its parts through conversations with different people.

The film combines mixed media and formats to weave together a story along with conversations with the people who are a part of different levels of the sewage system in the city.

The film is showing online on the 3rd and 4th of February. You can watch it here.

Through the film, I observed something I’ve always looked away from. I met people who make up this faceless system, I got the chance to collaborate with some really cool people, and I heard about the different things people accidentally flush down their toilets.

I loved every part of the process, and learnt so much. I feel very enriched by the making of the film- especially because it gave me the opportunity to face a few discomforts which are easier to look away from.

I had the most amazing team of people working with me to bring this to life, and I am so grateful for everyone who came on board to make it possible.

I’m looking forward to having more screenings, and all the conversations that the film hopefully sparks.

If you catch the film, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Nitya