Indian Short and Animation Filmmaker Varun Mehta did it again. His film ‘Inspiring account of a Gardener won the Best Public Film/People Choice Award at an online film competition held in US. The competition was conducted by Mobile Movie Making Magazine. Various films across the globe participated in the Competition. Mehta’s film won the prize of 100$ in addition with a copy of movie making Illustrated online book. Not only this, Mehta also graced this year’s Chennai International Science Film Festival with his presence where he was invited as a guest. We called up Varun to know about this and his future plans.
EFeed : Congratulations on winning the award. Please elaborate more on the award you just won?
Varun : I participated in the ‘Mobile Movie Making’ contest which was about Interviewing an expert from his/her field. The movie was supposed to be shot through a smartphone, camera phone, drone device etc. I remember making a video for another project last year which was also based in US. I recalled the person Ramu who I called up and took his Interview. The gardener Ramu was going through health issues at that time and he could barely talk. It was a challenge to make a movie but I went ahead with narrative titles and text. I knew that the outcome of the project might not satisfy me in the end but I believed in the Concept. It did not win anything in that project and luckily I got a chance to enter the same movie in this competition (Mobile Movie Making). I spread the word about the film on social media. Fortunately many people turned up to vote and I won the award. I am really grateful to Mobile Movie Making platform for the opportunity they provided. EFeed : What was the biggest challenge you faced into making this film? Varun : The film was itself a challenge. When you know your subject is ill and cannot perform. How can you make a film? I did not expect the film to be made in that scenario. I tried to Interview him but whatever he said just passed through my ears. Although I could understand from his body language on what was he trying to convey. Since he is a very hardworking and passionate person and has contributed towards the environment. I wanted to bring his story alive in a few minutes. At that point, I wanted only the concept to work if not anything. So I went ahead. I shot the movie with my Samsung Galaxy Tab and edited it on my laptop. For me, every film is a challenge.
EFeed : You were invited to International Science Film Festival this October. How was the experience?
Varun : It was wonderful. Science as a medium itself connects with filmmaking. Any technique used has science in it so it must be celebrated in its own way. The division that organized the festival called ‘Vigyan Prasar’ also organized the National Science Film Festival which I was part of earlier this year. Although I am not much of a Science lover, it is always refreshing to watch movies based on the medium, Interacting with new filmmakers and making new friends. This year it was organized at Anna University in Chennai. It was a great experience overall. EFeed : We didn’t hear much from you on the sequel of ‘The Wonder Stone’ after the initial shooting. How is it shaping up? Varun : Well the sequel is not happening. I was always hesitant to work on this project as it was not really possible for me to dedicate so much time to one project. Things were different in 2010 when I was nobody and had no work. I had plenty of time to learn and put all my efforts in a single film. I gave countless days and nights into making that film. Making a feature alone with no help was never easy back then how was it going to be easy now? Initially, I gave the idea green lit and we even shot some scenes in Noida but later things had fallen apart. I thought it was better to shut down the project as I can’t devote so much time. Also, the cast was not serious. This is the problem with this generation. I shouldn’t say this but from my own personal experience I feel today’s youth lacks dedication. They lack vision. They don’t value the work they are offered unless monetarily gains are involved. Even otherwise, I don’t really see much spark in people and that’s why I prefer working in my own style. As far as The Wonder Stone is concerned, we are planning a short film that will be formed through from the clips that we shot in Noida earlier this year. Our writing team is currently busy in finalizing the script. The short film shall release Next Year. EFeed : What about your future plans. Which films are you currently working on? Varun : A lot is going to happen as this year we complete five years of my Wiz Motion Studio in December. It will be completed revamped in a new avatar with a new logo, design and lots of things to offer. Many films are in the pipeline. Few of our films are already queued up in the festivals to be screened. There is so much more that you will know soon.
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