Apeejay student bags award at Indo-French International Film Festival

Vedant Chakraborty, a promising student filmmaker from School of Design & Visual Arts (SDVA) at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), recently achieved a significant milestone by winning a Special Mention for Best Student Short Film at the esteemed Indo-French International Film Festival. His documentary, “In the Wake of Devotion”, sheds light on the lives of the Gotakhors, individuals who earn their livelihoods by retrieving offerings from the river Yamuna. In a telephonic interview with Vedant, the 8th semester student explained what inspired him to create this award-winning documentary and shared about his journey as a filmmaker. Read edited excerpts:

Congratulations on your remarkable achievement, Vedant! Could you share with us your journey of creating “In the Wake of Devotion”?

Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. “In the Wake of Devotion” began as a college assignment, but with the encouragement of my mentors, it evolved into a full-fledged documentary. The film delves into the lives of the Gotakhors, revealing their struggles and sacrifices in the face of adversity.

What inspired you to choose the Gotakhors as the subject of your documentary?

The Gotakhors’ compelling narratives of resilience and perseverance resonated deeply with me. Their daily struggles against the backdrop of the Yamuna river sparked a desire within me to amplify their voices and shed light on their often-overlooked contributions to society.

How do you envision its role in raising awareness about the lives and struggles of the Gotakhors?

My hope is that “In the Wake of Devotion” serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by the Gotakhors and inspires viewers to recognise their resilience and dedication. By sharing their stories, I aim to foster empathy and understanding, ultimately paving the way for positive change and support for these unsung heroes.

Could you shed some light on the challenges you faced during the filming process?

Filming amidst the harsh conditions of the Yamuna river posed significant challenges. From battling the scorching sun to navigating the polluted waters and maintaining balance on an unsteady boat, every moment presented its own set of obstacles.

How did you balance storytelling with authenticity while portraying real-life subjects in your documentary?

Authenticity was paramount in capturing the essence of the Gotakhors’ experiences. We began by immersing ourselves in their world, conducting interviews and capturing raw visuals that reflected their reality. In post-production, we meticulously crafted the narrative to ensure it remained true to their struggles and triumphs.

“In the Wake of Devotion” is a poignant title. Could you elaborate on its significance and how it reflects the theme of your film?

Absolutely! “In the Wake of Devotion” symbolises the unwavering dedication of the Gotakhors to their livelihoods and community. Their tireless efforts to retrieve offerings from the river Yamuna and their selfless acts of saving lives reflect their deep devotion to their work and the people they serve.

What were some emotionally impactful moments or scenes during the filming process?

The scenes depicting the aftermath of suicide incidents left a lasting impact on me. Witnessing the profound struggles faced by individuals in moments of despair underscored the urgent need for compassion and support for mental health issues within our society.

As a student filmmaker, what valuable lessons have you learned from creating this documentary?

This project has been a transformative journey, teaching me invaluable lessons in empathy, resilience, and the power of storytelling. From mastering technical skills to navigating the complexities of documentary filmmaking, each step has deepened my understanding of the craft and strengthened my passion for storytelling.

How did your experience at Apeejay’s School of Design & Visual Arts contribute to the development of your skills and vision as a filmmaker?

Apeejay Stya University provided me with the guidance and resources to hone my skills as a filmmaker. The hands-on learning experiences and collaborative projects at SDVA helped shape my creative vision and instilled in me the confidence to pursue my passion for storytelling.

Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring filmmakers who are passionate about exploring similar themes or subjects?

To my fellow aspiring filmmakers I would say: embrace the power of storytelling to shed light on untold stories and amplify marginalised voices. Dare to explore unconventional subjects and immerse yourself in the world of your subjects with empathy and authenticity. Remember that every narrative holds the potential to inspire change and make a meaningful impact on the world. So, seize every opportunity to tell stories that matter.