The art of independent filmmaking, for this critic anyway, is so often reflected in the most impactful and creative ways through the medium of short film, especially given that it only allows the artists behind them an often seriously truncated amount of time to deliver a narrative that engages the viewer while offering the highest degree of relevance and depth to the messages being conveyed. Recently, I had the chance to once again explore this filmmaking style via the Indian short film “Blossom In Love” which paints a beautifully moving picture of how we as human beings deal with loneliness, finding connection in the most unanticipated of places. For my thoughts, the film is reviewed here, where you can also enjoy watching the film as well.

Thanks to this opportunity, it likewise offered me the chance, by slightly abbreviated but no less insightful means, interview the film’s wonderfully talented rising star writer/director/producer, who happens to act as well mind you, and obtain insights into what inspires her, the film itself, and the general importance of how indie cinema needs its time to shine more to the masses. Oh, and she happens to be the co-founder and creative head of a fantastic organization, First Step Entertainment Capital, which aids in discovering and nurturing new creative talents! Therefore, I offer what I like to term my “snapshot” interview with the absolutely lovely Ms. Swati Semwal.

One Film Fan: Before we get to the queries regarding your recent short film “Blossom In Love”, would you just share what it’s been like in general so far to be a new, fresh face in Indian cinema and how the experiences have been for you thus far?

Swati Semwal: I have had my share of troughs and crests because I am a little young and have a little less experience and also because I am a female film maker. So, it was challenging for me to gather a team as nobody wanted to take instructions from me. But now after 15 films, people look forward to working with me. Over all it has been a brilliant journey with various challenges of various natures.

O.F.F.: I had the opportunity recently to view your short film “Abnormal”, which was truly well done, that addressed a not always so popular subject yet did so in a way that was so moving and deeply human. Briefly tell us what that initial experience was like to direct that project and what it meant to you personally to do so, again given the themes being explored.

 

S.S.: Yes the theme is explored but nobody really cared to show what a teenager thinks and goes through when they realize their sexuality themselves. I just wanted to explore that aspect in a realistic way. Personally, I couldn’t have directed a better subject for my first film as I love human drama.

O.F.F.: So, onto your current project, the equally stirring short film “Blossom In Love”. What was the primary catalyst that birthed this film’s concept?

S.S.: Cities are lonely and often create a vacuum and an empty space in people’s heart and being. Think that thought was the catalyst.

O.F.F.: For those who have yet to see the film, give us a snapshot synopsis, without any spoilers of course.

S.S.: It’s a love story between 2 living beings one is human and you need to figure out who the other one is by watching the film.

O.F.F.: In taking on the grand theme of loneliness, which can be such a debilitating state of being, how much did wanting to offer a realistic, grounded approach to the idea that viewers could relate to and even find encouragement in play into how you developed the film’s narrative and subsequently in how you actually chose to portray one individual’s confronting it?

S.S.: I approach all my films with honesty and try and make them as human as possible. I think that brings credibility and strength in my characters, then it doesn’t matter how many actors are in the film as audience relates to them from the very beginning.

O.F.F.: In a world filled with so much overt malice and anger currently, I firmly believe we need more positive films and messages that showcase finding real love and support, even if via the means shown in your film, as it does make the world a better place. Do you agree and is this the aim of your filmmaking, even if portraying a harder subject than loneliness, like in “Abnormal”?

S.S.: My films are a medium to convey my thought process which is non-judgmental unbiased and progressive. I like this question of yours as you could understand the intention behind my filmmaking.

 

O.F.F.: Taking on the position of writer/director/producer cannot be an easy task when it comes to filmmaking.  Do you love the challenge I am guessing? It has to be tough, though, right? Is it more of a process to do this work behind the scenes as opposed to acting in front of the camera being directed by others?

S.S.: Acting is luxury for me–and who doesn’t like luxury–but I am a laborer at heart and I love building and creating and of course the storyteller in me keeps irrigating my passion. It is definitely challenging, but it gives me a purpose to look forward to a new day.

O.F.F.: How was it to have the chance to work with a veteran actress like Ms. Himani Shivpuri for this project?

S.S.: I sent her the script and she loved the story I guess the barrier was broken there only as artists. She had faith in me hence it became easy and fun to work with her.

O.F.F.: What’s on the horizon for you currently? Any new film projects to divulge, whether as director or actress?

S.S.: Yes, working on my own feature as a director and doing a couple of projects as an actor.

O.F.F.: Independent film, at all levels, is a medium still somewhat stuck in the shadows as it were, with distribution and overall notoriety/exposure very much a work in progress. Yet, for me, so many of the best stories, characters, and just raw passion for film is demonstrated in the indie film community.  How important is it in your opinion that indie film might finally get its earned day in the sun?

S.S.: It’s very important as I seek honesty in films and approach my films with the same and that can only continue to happen when you have no pressures. I am hopeful that the indie film community will find its commercial ground.

O.F.F.: Classic ending, as I must ask…..what is YOUR favorite film of all time?  Why?

S.S.: I love (legendary Iranian filmmaker) Majid Majeedi and all his films, as he goes deep and personal into his characters and that’s my favorite part of storytelling.  

 

I don’t know about you, but this is the kind of truly passionate, driven, intentional, intelligent, and inspired individual I feel the film industry as a whole needs many, many more of in order to allow the chance for not only independent cinema to flourish in a new, more definitive way, but also to prove that one can have success of their own while having the full desire to seek out and aid others within the creative field, from filmmakers to crew, to find a place and have their own abilities showcased, too. This kind of selflessness is, sadly, not always common in this day and age, so it’s always gratifying to see people like Ms. Semwal making a path available for not only her own work and career to grow, but also that of others. We look forward to what the future holds for Ms. Semwal, wish her nothing but the highest levels of success, and hope her efforts to promote others along with her will pave the way for an even more original, expressive, and entertaining era of films for us to enjoy.

Want to keep up with what Swati is up to?  Check out these means to do so:

“Follow” her on Twitter

“Like” her on Facebook

“Follow” her on Instagram

Check out, as mentioned above, the website for First Step Entertainment Capital

 

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment.  I extend once more my warmest thanks to Ms. Semwal for taking the time to do this interview.  Until next time, thank you for reading!