4/22/2018 0 Comments Interview : Movies are not just meant to entertain but enlighten as well - Varun Mehta
Indian Short and Animation Filmmaker Varun Mehta has been making waves with his work across the globe. His mobile short 'Diwali - The Festival of Lights' won the 'Best Film' award at the International Holiday Movie Contest conducted by Mobile Movie Making magazine in US. The film was chosen by the Jury as the best film out of all entries that came across the world. The film has been awarded the cash prize of 125$. Not only this, Mehta's another film 'Environmental Festival' was recently honored at the Lucknow International Children's Film Festival that was organized by CMS (City Montessori School) We sat with Varun for an exclusive interview talking about his achievements and future projects.
EFeed : Many Many Congratulations. One International award and one national honor won in a month itself. How does it feel?
Varun : It feels amazing, I feel on top of the world literary. It just proves when you work hard with a certain amount of conviction and dedication, the results shall definitely show up in sometime. Both the wins were totally unexpected and took me by surprise.
EFeed : Tell us first about the first winning. The holiday movie challenge. How was the experience?
Varun : The experience was fantastic. It was conducted by Mobile Movie Making magazine, its an online portal that works for the welfare of anything and everything that is related to making movies through mobiles/smartphones/drone etc. I had previously participated in one of the contest where I won the public award. They invited me again this time so I participated with my mobile short 'Diwali - The Festival of Lights'. I shot the movie on the festival night itself but unfortunately, some of the data that I had shot was damaged I had to re-shoot it again the another day with different device. Somehow I wasn't satisfied with the final output but still I put the entry up in the competition. Later, I didn't feel like sharing the entry with my friends because I wasn't expecting much from it. Suddenly an email came across me which declared me as one of the winners of the contest and I just could not believe it. I jumped with joy and gratitude. Indeed, I am grateful to the jury of Mobile Movie Making magazine people. Their efforts to help and reach out mobile filmmakers deserves an applause.
EFeed : According to you, which is the most Important factor for a film to work.
Varun : Personally, If you ask me, it's always the concept, I am not denying about the Importance of technique. Of Course ! Technique and Concept together makes a great film and you should have command on both. But in a film, the concept must work. You can't make a film with just technique. Suppose if you are making a film on mountains with a good narrative you have to capture the essence of the mountains and give it a proper feel. If you just capture the beautiful mountains with no soul, then your film works just best a home movie not as a film. The concept plays a major role in the formation of a great film. Then other things follow
EFeed : Tell us about your experience at the 10th International Children's Film Festival you attended recently.
Varun : It was really terrific and outstanding. This was my first time at CMS International Festival and the experience was totally exhilarating. My film 'Environmental Festival - A step towards awareness' was screened at the festival. The first screening was held at 11:00 am on 12th April in a separate theater and the second screening was held on the same day around 12:30 pm in the main Auditorium. The festival committee of City Montessori School honored me with the festival memento and that was indeed the moment of pride. As a child, I used to dream about such moments that one day my name shall be called on stage and I shall be smiling across hundreds of people holding a bouquet just like I watched people on TV. It feels true that I am living the dream, every bit of it. My film received appreciation from the target audiences and I was really impressed with their arrangements and preparations. I am grateful to Mr Jagadish Gandhi Sir, the owner of CMS for his great initiative and vision of promoting world peace through his film festivals.
EFeed : Tell us about the film 'Environmental Festival - A step towards awareness'
Varun : A Festival that celebrates the importance of environment is the best idea that one can ever think. Such an idea was born out of my mother's heart who is the principal of 'Tagore Public School' in Aligarh City of India. Every year she and her team of teachers educate the children about the safety and protection of environment and this is done under a beautiful idea of a festival where the kids learn to recycle waste products, learn lessons to combat climatic change and fights hazards like pollution and deforestation etc. I decided to capture this festival and document it into a movie. As a result, the film was very well received both nationally and Internationally. The film was also screened at International nature film festival in Hungary last year.
Movies
EFeed : Apart from children's film, what genres of movies excite you? Varun : I am a filmmaker so all genres of filmmaking excite me. Comedy, Romance, Action, Thrill, Suspense, Documentary every genre has its own taste and style. I have worked on a lot of documentaries featuring adults and some of them have even won awards. However, its the truth that my films featuring Children or about Children have found much acceptance and appreciation. Having said that, I have worked on a lot of genres and would continue to do so. Every film is a challenge in itself and challenges keeps a filmmaker going. Movies are not just meant for entertainment. They enlighten as well.
EFeed : If given a chance, what kind of movies would you like to have remade?
Varun : I am against the ideas of a remake or an unnecessary sequel. See a classic shouldn't be touched. It became classic for a reason and its legacy should remain unharmed but personally if you ask, I would like to make a movie like 'Jaws' because I have been a huge fan of this film. Also the story of 'Joan of Arc' has been very inspirational to me. If given a chance, I would like to tell it my way. In my Indian Space, I would love to work on a historical war film. Till then, I am quite happy with my shorts. (smiles)
EFeed : Would you like to share something about your upcoming projects
Varun : I am working on a couple of projects, also an animated short is in production. I shall announce soon given the right timing. EFeed : Last thing, any message for our readers and your well-wishers? Varun : Just believe in yourself and your passion. Nothing can stop you if you are determined enough to get what you want. Keep Smiling always.
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