‘Chenda’ finding home in Sydney

The commitment these musicians demonstrate is to be seen to be appreciated. “This is not a day job for us. We come together to practise the instrument every week. Some of us had to start from the scratch. The beginners have to practise the vocal rhythms and drumming on a piece of wood for 6-9 months before they start playing on the drum” says Biju George, the president of IndoZ rhythms, who has been a member of the group since its inception.

The screening of the documentary saw the active participation of elected and community leaders - Hon Stephen Bali MP, member of Blacktown, Clr Living- ston Chettipally, Clr Sree Pillamarri, Clr Susai Benjamin, Clement Warille Meru, Sue Advani, Irfan Malik, Beena Ravi, Babu Valsa Varughese, Nalika Padmasena and Manjula Viswanath.

Stephen Bali MP said that he was “very pleased to see stories of discipline and commitment being told”. He shared some hearty, personal recollections on his childhood and how he learned martial arts, while reflecting on the effort taken by the musicians, documented in the film. Clement Warille Meru, Settlement & Community Programs Manager & Acting

CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services noted, “the documentary is an excellent example of how the Chenda,a percussion musical instrument was introduced to Sydney through the Indoz Rythms group, and how it brings community and families together. It is a story of history passion, discipline and comradery.”

The crew of the film consisted of cinematographer Paul Kochukudy, Nito George (live sound) and Binumon Mathai (B Camera). The documentary can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/aZuo8cVE9Po.