The Criterion Channel has recently added a new and thought-provoking film to its lineup as part of the ongoing Queersighted series. “If From Every Tongue It Drips,” the debut feature by Pakistani Canadian artist Sharlene Bamboat, is a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries of language, genre, and geography.
Filmed in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, scored in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and edited in Montreal, Canada, the movie follows the story of a lesbian poet named Ponni, portrayed intimately on video by her partner, Sarala. Ponni, speaking in a mix of Tamil and English, delves into themes of duality in quantum physics and Urdu poetry, as well as the impact of British colonialism and protest art in South Asia.
What sets “If From Every Tongue It Drips” apart is its innovative use of onscreen captions by the group Collective Text, providing not just translations but also sensory notations that enhance the viewing experience. The film invites viewers to engage with it on multiple levels, encouraging curiosity and exploration of queerness in both form and content.
For those looking for a unique and immersive cinematic experience, “If From Every Tongue It Drips” is now available for streaming on the Criterion Channel. Dive into this rich tapestry of storytelling that challenges conventions and invites viewers to see, listen, and think in new ways.
