INTACH screens documentary on Ferdinand Kittel to mark finale of World Heritage Week

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, November 26, 2025: The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with Art Kanara Trust, hosted the screening of a documentary film on Ferdinand Kittel and his journey as a lexicographer on Tuesday, November 25, as the concluding event of World Heritage Week. Titled ‘The Word and the Teacher’, the film was screened at the Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture at 5:30 p.m. and was attended by director Prashant Pandit and executive producer Swati Acharya.

In his introductory remarks, director Prashant Pandit said that the documentary is an authentic portrayal of the life and works of Ferdinand Kittel, based on his notes, letters and archival materials. “While everybody knows Kittel for compiling the first Kannada dictionary, in his work spanning over five decades he completed close to 40 literary works. He was also proficient in five major Dravidian languages and mastered Kannada,” he said.

The 80-minute documentary traces how Kittel travelled and lived in different parts of Karnataka during his missionary service, while also working closely with schools to develop inclusive curricula. The screening was followed by an interaction with the filmmaker.

Speaking at the event, Bennet Amanna, former archivist at the Karnataka Theological College—who is also credited in the film—said, “Kittel’s dictionary does not just deliver meanings of words; it also offers detailed comparisons between regional dialects, between languages, and includes his keen observations. Being an outsider, his contributions to Mangaluru and the Kannada language have been immense.”

INTACH life member Deekshith R. Pai introduced the guests and moderated the session. The programme concluded with the felicitation of the dignitaries.

The ongoing art exhibition Namma Ooru Namma Nela, which opened on Saturday, November 22 as part of World Heritage Week, will continue till November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Kodial Guthu Centre for Art and Culture.