Article written by Tushar Unadkat

Facts show that in the first decade of the new millennium, there were on an average of 4 to 5 independent South Asian feature films produced every year. Now, not so much. We spoke to five such independent filmmakers across North America who told us why.

Lonely in America (1990) was shown in 74 countries, 37 film-festivals and was the first Indie American film on HBO which was a landmark opening for South Asian independent cinema in North America," says New York based, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik. "The reason why we don't see too many indie productions is that these films do not have the proper distribution and the audience does not know about the films. I feel the future will be good if we work together to create awareness and find a way to reach the audience," he says.

Malik wears many hats-he is an actor, producer, director and line producer, Tirlok and also the founder director of Apple Productions in New York. Recently he directed a Punjabi feature film Khushiyaan that bagged 14 nominations including the Best Picture at PIFAA in Toronto, last year. "If your film does not bring the money back, how can you make your next film?" questions, Malik but adds, "I feel very lucky that I am still making films and hopefully will continue."

In 2001, Piyush Pandya's American Desi" resonated widely with the desi audience and inspired a whole new generation of talent to explore film-making. For almost a decade after that indie filmmakers began sprouting left, right and centre, making an average of 4-5 feature films every year, however, none by Piyush Pandya.

"I don't think we have the infrastructure to sustain this as a business yet. All the films (including mine) are a labor of love, where some are more successful than the others. But there is just so much you can do by getting financing on credit cards, borrowing from relatives, or getting a small pool of investors," divulges Piyush.

"There have been films made that have been seen and well received at festivals, but I'm looking for a more professional, business approach where we put out three to five quality films every year. We need the right producers who can harness the talent we have here and make films, which are entertaining, thought-provoking, and commercially viable. "I'm optimistic that in the next couple years we will be able to get all the elements together to start making films commercially like our two parents: Hollywood and Bollywood," says Piyush, thoughtfully.

On the other hand, Manan Singh Katohora is one independent filmmaker who is not willing to give-up, regardless of many challenges and believes that, "indie filmmaking is still happening." Manan's film portfolio includes Arya (2003), When Kiran Met Karen (2008), 9 Eleven(2011) among others.

A poster of the film American Desi

"I wouldn't call myself a successful independent Indian American filmmaker, but a consistent and struggling artist," confesses Manan. "I think the focus on NRI themes has shifted, because most of the films didn't do well “ no critical acclaim or box office success. It's just stories now “ whatever it's about, whoever it's about," says Manan who has over a decade of film-making experience.

Well known South Asian actress, Sheetal Sheth, also weighs in on the SA Indie movement which seems to have slackened. "Why are we in this business and what drives us as actors and storytellers?  I have been drawn to material and content that is challenging and thought-provoking, while being entertaining. I think we can tell when someone is committed and excited about the work. Otherwise, it feels false and will then, sometimes fail to connect on certain levels." 36 year-old Sheetal has starred in over a dozen films including Indian cross-over and Hollywood films like ABCD (2000), American Chai (2001), Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2005), The world unseen (2007), I can't think straight (2008) among others.

"Whether an Eastern or Western film, what matters more is the balance of sensibilities keeping a wider audience in mind," says Raj of the directing duo, Raj and DK on the phone from Mumbai. The duo's latest offering, Go, Goa Gone is currently making waves on the social media scene with it's first look and a zombie-killing Russian desi hitman played by a blonde Saif Ali Khan! "One of the facts independent filmmakers need to bear in mind is to keep personal stories out of the equation, as it is harder to market," shares Raj from his wealth of experience.

Makers of Flavors (2003), 99 (2009) and Shor in the city (2011), the filmmakers have made the transition to mainstream Bollywood rather efficaciously.  "The reason why we don't see as many independent films in the recent years is because except for one or two films, those who attempted to make movies have not made money. That is highly discouraging! The process is much longer with no returns, results to the change in trend," believes Raj. Raj went back and forth since the release of Flavors in 2002 and then for 99 but moved to India permanently six years ago.

"The precise answer to our success story is based on perseverance. Regardless of monetary failure or any other, you still have to go for it! It is a huge balancing act when you have a family, job, etc," he says.

First published at: suhaag.com