CREATIVE STREAK
Meet Hong Kong-based Argie Seth, a student filmmaker, who has directed thriller Stranger Danger that explores societal issues
19-year-old Argie Seth has directed a thriller movie Stranger Danger 34
Brought up in India and Philippines, Argie Seth, 19, was always interested in listening to and telling stories and was keen to be part of the film industry. He moved to Hong Kong to pursue his education in filmmaking at the Savannah College of Art and Design. His diverse upbringing inspired him to make a thriller exploring issues such as rape and sexuality.
Inspiration and journey
As a child, I was always surprised by how powerful the medium of film and theatre was in changing people’s outlook towards things in life. I didn’t get a chance to tell my stories professionally until I was in Philippines for my IB diploma. Once here, I got the chance to tell my stories on stage, which was part of the curriculum. My theatre teacher was a great influence.
I started writing the script of Stranger Danger in June 2018 and had the basic story that I wanted to portray. I made notes on what I wanted the film to depict and those notes became the two characters—Miranda and Lago—in my head. I was supposed to make the film in Mumbai but I couldn’t, due to paucity of time. The story was still a vague outline around then and only after coming to Hong Kong did I realise its true potential. I developed it further by adding subplots, characters, and locations. Faith was the primary theme and central to the story.
Against all odds
My biggest struggle was getting funds to make the film and I worked 12 hours a day over and above to get funds on board. I am glad I went through this grounding experience and I feel it is essential for artists to go through this. My producer Janice and I had some arguments during the making of the film but that’s something that happens on every set as people have different points of view.
Tip for aspiring filmmakers
If there is an idea that you are dying to tell, shed your inhibitions and go for it. By doing so, you will soon figure out if the idea is good enough to purse or not.