NN Baiju

N N Baiju is an Indian cinematographer who rose to fame for his evocative documentaries and short films on lives in India’s villages. His work has received high critical acclaim on national and international platforms. N N Baiju comes from a small village in Kerala called Karumadi. Cinema and its nuances had always fascinated him throughout his boyhood. The interplay of light and motion drew out his curiosity so much that he began doing a lot of individual research into the technical working of movies. He often looked through volumes in the small village library, teaching himself the art of movie direction while also holding on to a day job to support his family. His work as the village postman kept him busy during the week, but his dedication to cinema never faltered. He gathered resources as best as he could and used his day off on the weekend to shoot small films and nature documentaries.

Baiju signed up for a certificate course on movie making in Thiruvanathapuram, which gave him the edge he needed to begin directing scenes professionally. Many of his short films depict the ravaged landscapes and thinned out forests of his native district. His films, ‘Chavukadal,’ ‘The Tree Beckons You,’ and ‘Madayipara,’ actively showcase India’s conservation issues. His 2002 short film, ‘The Outsider,’ went on to be screened at the New York Short Film Festival for its beautiful screenplay. Baiju sought out help from the local people and small-time actors to portray his stories. His modest background and limited means did not curtail his love for cinema, and he serves to inspire millions of future filmmakers.