Situated in the remote hills of Nagaland, India and Sagaing, Myanmar, there’s a village called ‘Longwa’, its unique geography places it in both countries. The Indo-Myanmar border passes right from the middle of this village. In Longwa borders are invisible, here people live in peace and harmony, moving freely across nations, having houses and farms on both sides but living as one community.

 

This village is home to the ancient and feared Naga tribe known as the Konyaks who lived here and shared this land for generations. Their King known as ‘the Angh’ lives here and his house is split between both countries by the border itself.

 

‘The partition of the border runs through the middle of my house, it's not just my house-it divides me as a person into two’ - Angh

The King’s rule is not limited to this village but he rules 30 Konyak villages in Myanmar and 5 villages on the Indian side. The King talks about his roles and responsibilities as the Chief, the history of the border demarcation and unity in his land where people live without worrying about the border.

 

But the village’s way of life is not under threat! In February 2024, the Indian government announced plans to construct a border fence along the entire 1600 KM+ long Indo-Myanmar border, the construction of the fence has already been started in the neighbouring states which worries the King and his people who lived in the village since centuries as the fence will divide them into 2.

 

The documentary takes a look at how the people of Longwa live a life in a divided yet united world. From a student leader to a local teacher struggling with 2 very different education systems, the film tries to shed light on the challenges of living under 2 nations and governance. 

 

Through vivid imagery and interviews of the King and his Citizens, ‘The King on the Border’ captures the life in Longwa and its people’s disagreement with the construction of the fence. As the fence construction comes closer, the King and his people stand united and express their opinions to protect their unique way of life.

 

Themes:

• Cultural resilience in the face of political division

• The encounter between traditional ways of life and modern borders

• Unity against artificial boundaries.

 

Visual Approach:
Shots of Longwa’s landscape, scenes of people’s daily life across the border, Montage of the King’s house. The construction of a border fence in the foreseeable future contrasts the unity of people.

 

Tone:
Observational and urgent, balancing Longwa’s unity and Harmony with the chances of its possible division.