ANIMATED FEED: MAGIC MASALA - Directed by Rohini Kummitha

Magic Masala from Rohini Kummitha on Vimeo.

Karthik, a young man who comes to the U.S. from India, crosses paths with Bakasura, a demon who is on his redemptive journey from a greedy devourer to a humble chef. The film is about the magic of cooking, sharing and finding friends in the most unexpected places.

Magic Masala is my graduate thesis film created at Iowa State University. The film is a mixture of 2D and stop motion animation created using Photoshop and After Effects software. Over 5000 photographs were used in the making of StopMotion animation. This film merges traditional painting, photography and digital illustrations. Magic Masala focuses on the role of food as a cultural signifier and examines current food practices and consumption rituals from the perspective of an Indian immigrant living in the United States. By using culinary discourse I reflect upon the concepts of belonging, cultural differences, assimilation, the impact of globalization and issues regarding identity.

Story, Design, Photography, Animation & Direction - Rohini Kummitha
Cast - Sudheer Tenneti, Sreelatha Nageli and Rohini Kummitha
Voice - Sudheer Tenneti, Rohini Kummitha
Puppet Design - Prof. Cindy Gould

Special Thanks to
Major Professor - Cindy Gould
Animation Professor - Anson Call
Photography Professor - Barbara Caldwell