Film-maker closes representation gap in project
A YOUNG film-maker who was fed-up with Indian South Africans being cast in stereotype characters has launched his own short film.
The ode to Indian South Africans began because of a problem that he faced.
“I wanted to be an actor but the roles available did not accurately represent a modern Indian South African,” said Veron Vadivelu.
“The roles available were stereotypical and out of touch. So the solution was simple. I needed to create realistic roles and content. I had a desire to showcase Indian South Africans in a manner that showed our complete truth and beauty.
“I have an insurmountable love for my South African and Indian South African heritage and culture,” said the 21-year-old.
Vadivelu grew up in Westville, outside Durban.
“But I was raised in Unit 7 in Chatsworth. I know it sounds complicated, but my life is complicated in some aspects,” he joked.
Vadivelu abandoned his studies in quantity surveying to pursue filming for a particular cause.
He felt the Indian South African representation in film was lacklustre, and this prompted his passion for film-making.
“The world needs to see the beauty, diversity and excellence that exist within Indian South Africans and South African people. As much as we think the world knows about us, they don’t because if the world truly knew who we are, they would not be able to stop talking about us.
“My life’s pursuit is to showcase this to the world and put us at the forefront of elite entertainment.”
Enter Vadivelu’s as-yet untitled short film. He started working on the project in February until the lockdown kicked in at the end of March, and then resumed work at the start of lockdown level 3.
“The process involved writing the script, hiring the crew, casting the actors, securing the locations, scheduling the filming, shooting the film, editing, scoring, and, lastly, marketing the film.
“Filming started from July 6 to 16. “Filming during a worldwide pandemic is a bit tricky but the problems faced aren’t important. What’s important is that I was blessed by God to get the film made and executed as best as possible given the conditions.
“There were many instances during filming where we found solutions where there were no solutions to be found; and moments where I couldn’t emotionally, mentally and physically cope, but I overcame and I’m thankful for the blessing. We primarily had a crew of two which included our cinematographer, Prashant Pillay, of Digiboyz, and me. We had a secondary crew member, Vincent Joseph, who facilitated with some scenes.”
Working under challenging lockdown conditions, Vadivelu handled all the production aspects such as scheduling, planning and script revision.
Pillay provided all the shooting equipment such as cameras, lighting, and sound.
“Our score was by the insurmountably gifted and talented Jaedon Daniel, who did such a great job that I still listen to the score every once in a while.”
The short film was released via Vili Studios on Facebook and Instagram and is also available on the Vili Studios YouTube channel, as well as Vadivelu’s personal Facebook page.
It features Vadivelu, Kimara Govender, Zahir Bassa, Rushil Juglall, Dushen Thaver, Shivay Jainath, Thami Dlamini, Celean Naken, Felicia Pillay, Mellisa Jinku, Tamlyn Prosser, Christine Oganisian and Zara Oganisian.
In the coming weeks, Vadivelu is set to release a related series online, on the same platforms and a few others.
“The series is called The New Normal Volume One. The piece is about the times we’re in now. The pandemic has taken a lot from us but it has also given us many things and the piece explores these elements.
“This project involves Aadhil Bugarith, of One Percent Media, who is a very driven, talented videographer and artist. Something that I talk about often is collaboration and the importance of artists seeking and working with other artists.
“The only way we improve is through collaboration with original ideas, constructive criticism and a high-level work ethic. The release date is not confirmed but can be expected in one to two weeks. It would be released on the same platforms as my short film, as well as on the Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube profiles of One Percent Media.”