DESI OON

by Suresh Eriyat, Studio Eeksaurus

In this heartfelt six-minute film, wool itself becomes the storyteller, voicing the neglect it has suffered for generations. Once a sacred bond between humans, animals, and nature, wool now stands forgotten in the wake of urbanisation and industrial change. Desi Oon is also a tribute to the revered shepherd Balumama, who dedicated his life to nurturing and protecting the Deccani sheep, a breed deeply rooted in the heritage of sustainable pastoralism.

Studio Eeksaurus spent a year developing this film, walking with the flocks and the shepherds, immersing ourselves in their world. For the last six months, they shepherded their our own flock of animators and enthusiasts through a tireless stop-motion animation shoot, crafted with real Deccani wool. With the words and voices of Swanand Kirkire, music from Rajat Dholakia, and soundscape designed Resul Pookutty, alongside the unwavering commitment of Living Lightly, the Centre for Pastoralism, Samagata Foundation and many others, this film weaves together art, music, and storytelling to reignite our connection with a vanishing way of life.

This film was created by Studio Eeksaurus is collaboration with the Centre for Pastoralism for the deccan edition of the exhibition 'Living Lightly - Journeys with Pastoralists'

About Suresh Eriyat

Suresh Eriyat, born in Kerala, India, in 1973, is a trailblazer in the Indian animation industry, renowned for his pioneering work that has significantly shaped the country’s animation landscape. He graduated from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, specialising in Communication Design with a focus on Animation Film Design. Since the inception of his career, Suresh has been committed to redefining animation as a powerful medium for storytelling in India, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary techniques to create a unique and impactful narrative style.

“Let’s listen. Let’s remember. Let’s act.”