Go with the flow

Mona

India is one place where even the impossible is possible, believes award-winning filmmaker Sarah Singh. “And that holds true across different spheres, including philosophical,” she insists. Its growth — personal and professional — that keeps bringing this New-York based film artist back to her roots in India.

Screening of A Million Rivers — a surrealist fiction film by her — is her reason to be in Chandigarh this time. “If you have cast well, much of the job is done,” she says, and in late Om Puri and Lillete Dubey she sure found the right cast. A film in black and white, A Million Rivers doesn’t have many dialogues either and here is where the late Om Puri superbly fitted the bill. “One glance by this veteran actor conveyed such layers of meanings,” shares Sarah, who like many others is still shaken by his sudden demise in January.

Deep vision

An artist and filmmaker, Sarah picks up on themes universal and derives a high each day if the stipulated work for the day is completed. When things are not moving, she sinks into the lows. “Film making is a collaborative affair. A lot of things; peoples, situations must align for a project to become a reality,” she says. And that’s what makes her work challenging!

Two feature length films, several short films; Sarah is gearing up for her third. Awards have come her way and she finds this an interesting concept while also underlining that much of it is politicised. What matters more to her is creating works that challenge, provoke its viewers and are still captivating - still relevant 10 years on.

Both India and the US are witnessing the so-called ‘intolerance’ issues, as an artiste, Sarah, who belongs to royal family of Patiala, keeps herself detached. “I work independently and that’s a choice for ensuring that I don’t get trapped.”

Art zone

Currently, she sees the art scene in India as booming and investing in art can fetch astronomical returns. However, it is equally important to not get swayed by profits.

As for political scenarios, she find Trump era deeply disturbing. Professionally, she worries why artistes are still fighting to be visible! Her next film is going to be a western, due to be shot in Portugal, with three Indian artistes.

A Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi event, A Million Rivers will be screened on Tuesday, March 7 at 5.30 pm at the Auditorium Government Museum and Art Gallery Sector-10, Chandigarh.

mona@tribunemail.com