Moner Manush.

Tina Kernchen embarks on a cinematic quest for tolerance, faith and wisdom in her bachelor project.

Photo: Tina Kernchen
Photo by Tina Kernchen
Photo by Tina Kernchen

Baul” – translated “crazy” or “driven by the wind ” – describes someone who has a vision of reality, living in a way – that goes against the grain. Located in West Bengal, they spread their knowledge of a natural ecstatic essence of being through poetic songs. Their unique approach to life and spirituality often brings conflicts with contemporary material existence.
“Moner Manush” by Tina Kernchen is a cinematic search for tolerance, faith and wisdom. “Baul” was included in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. The work was made possible with the support of a DAAD scholarship.

Tina Kernchen, born in 1987 in Berlin, grew up without religion herself. After school she worked as a waitress and DJane. Her studies at the Humboldt University “European Ethnology and Gender Studies” brought her insights, but little practical experience. So she decided to study in Hanover. Tina Kernchen spent two semesters abroad at the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute in Dhaka, Bangladesh.