In the Belly of a Tiger

In India, the families of victims of deadly tiger attacks are entitled to compensation. A farmer decides to sacrifice himself to help his family, but first, he spends one last night with his wife in the forest.

There is little hope of a better future for the debt ridden farmers in the Northern Indian village where this film takes place. At least in this life. Able bodied men, women and children work hard to reach the production quotas at the local brick factory. Others see only a way forward for their family if they sacrifice their lives to hungry tigers and the family collects the insurance.

Widower Saharsh must provide for his parents and daughter at the brick factory, while also providing relief for those even less fortunate than him. Escape is found in religious plays, booze and ganja. Saharsh sees visions of his dead wife as he and his family tries to stay afloat in a world of harsh capitalism and mythical beauty.

«In the Belly of a Tiger frames the act of sacrifice as both deeply spiritual and regrettably pragmatic.»

– Siddhant Adlakha, Variety –

Kristoffer Holen

Director

Siddartha Jatla writes, directs and shoots his own films. He had his debut with Love and Shukla (2017). In the Belly of a Tiger is his second feature.