When did you realise you wanted to be a Filmmaker?

Born and raised in a theatre practitioner’s family, I got engaged into performance and other creative expressions at an early stage. Over time, as I attended Art institutions as an undergraduate and for my Masters, I developed my interest more in the multidisciplinary practices. Collective, collaborative and performative forms of art fascinate me more. We are all aware that film making is such a practice which assimilates all art forms in one. This very nature of being composite of multiple aesthetics and inclusive of all the art forms pulled me towards filmmaking.  

Do you remember your first time at the Movies?

My late father was a playwright. It was not only important that he used to bring me to the theatres when I was a child, but in a nurturingmanner, somehow he made me realize that watching a film meant something more than just seeing and getting entertained: seeing a film also means getting trained on how to look at things.  

If you should change country where would you like to work?

This is a difficult question for me to answer. An artist’s temperament is always of an explorer. Towards new environments, newer challenges, our approach is always like: Yeah, challenge accepted!  

Two films that have marked your life for better or for worse…

Tim Burton’s Big Fish and Tarsem Singh’s The Fall- these two films made me rethink narrativity, reality and representation. Yes, what if my life is nothing but a story (or stories)! 

What do you think about Acting/ filmmaking schools?

Definitely there are different kinds of schools and all do not operate in the same way. In fact the same school does not remain the same for eternity, there are different ideological eras down the history. What interests me most is the fact that schools of creative practices assimilate young minds from different parts. They become a hub for fresh thoughts. If one considers this fact, the question of a particular school being good or bad turns to be secondary. The schools provide a common space for brainstorming, continuous exchange of dialogues and networking for the future which are more significant than the pedagogical teaching and learning.   

Have you ever hated your ambition?

In fact, almost always (with a smile)!

Francois Truffaut used to think that "Film Lovers are sick people”… was he right?

Yes, fully agree. But to add on: some ‘sicknesses’ are good for humankind ! 

Close your eyes…if I say “Cinema” what do you see?

Something big. Larger than life. 

Who’s the Director\Actor\Writer that taught you the most?

Chaplin (without a second thought). 

About your job, tell us your biggest dream and your worst nightmare…

No comment on biggest dream. Worst nightmare- having my digital project file deleted after a  tremendous amount of effort being put into the project. 

How important is to have a good Cinematographic Culture?

I believe in John Berger’s Ways of Seeing. It was aptly said: “Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.” I was a student of Art History and it made me realize that a rich visual culture was and is inevitably a prevalent element of human civilization. 

What would you like to improve as a Filmmaker?

It is communication. Speaking the simplest language in the most understandable way. But I know, it is difficult. 

A big producer give you the chance to direct\to play (in) the remake of one of your favorite black and white Movie (if you have one)… what film do you choose?

Possibly Modern Times by Chaplin. Modern Times was after modernism and industrialization, this time it would be set in the post globalization era, or possibly after the emergence of AI. 

Film Industry it’s a tough place and sometimes is normal to feel lost and discouraged… who’s the person that keeps you motivated?

I receive energy from people surrounding me. I am fortunate enough to have come across people with a considerable amount of zest and support. For example, writer and director Susan Lim, with whom I am working with in the recent years, offers an ambience full of compassion and sustenance. The motivation comes from within the collective.    

Alfred Hitchcock said: "To make a good film you need 3 things: The script, the script and the script".  Do you agree with him? 

What’s your most ambitious project for the future?

Yes, the script is the backbone. The script is not only the starting point as many people consider, it is also the point where you come back at the end. 

Do you think that sadness or at least melancholy let be more creative?

Whether we do agree or not, melancholy or a little mental depression sometimes gives us some insights and insists to engage with some creative works. But I personally try to adopt a more methodical approach where the creative work comes up like a project.  

What do you wish to yourself as a Filmmaker?

The wish is no different from what Spanish poet Federico García Lorca wished for. I write and I do my art for love, for the love of people.