INTERVIEWS

---

TIFF: Who are your biggest filmmaking influences?

Harshada: My filmmaker influences have a deep root in Guru Dutt and Manoj Kumar’s inheritances. For instance, in Pyaasa, the film of Guru Dutt this is evidenced through his ability to captivate me with lyrical storytelling and emotional depth while at the same time mixing artfulness with profound themes. This makes me think about exploring the intricacies of human experience.

On the other hand, Manoj Kumar’s vibrant works, which blend patriotism and social commentary also make strong impressions upon one's minds. I am inspired by his mode of incorporating meaningful stories into popular cinema as it leads me to create narratives that touch on both personal and societal spheres.

Hence, these legendary filmmakers influence my creative vision by pushing me to balance artistic expressionism and powerful storytelling.

 

TIFF: How do you develop your characters?

Harshada: The act of building characters is like assembling pieces for an elaborate mosaic, step by step, one at a time. It starts with establishing a solid base drawn mostly from actual experiences along with emotions. Each character’s backstory, quirks, or psychology is then explored so that these elements can be used to evoke authenticity and depth in them all.

I equally prefer the organic evolution of my characters. There are instances where new dimensions about them crop up when I least expect it after writing has started taking place. It is this process that enables me to create characters who are not only realistic but also identifiable and unforgettable.

Ultimately, it is important to me that every character in the narrative has his/her voice as well as a distinct purpose; thus, making their journey interesting and their interplay worthwhile.”

 

TIFF: How has the film industry changed since you started?

Harshada: Today, the landscape of everything is very dynamic and diverse. Thanks to digitalization and streaming platforms, there are many ways through which people can tell their stories than before. The independent film industry as well as web series have become quite popular; this has brought in new ideas that were never thought of before hence allowing for more experimental narratives to be shared. In addition to democratizing content creation, these changes have also created room for different voices from various genres.

Secondly, there is an inclusivity awakening in the industry where representation matters most now than ever before coupled with telling diverse stories too. The desire to reach global audiences has led to mixing up different cultural backgrounds which in turn enhances how we share our experiences through films from all over the world while still maintaining their authenticity.

 

TIFF: How important is the script to you in the filmmaking process?

Harshada: The filmmaking process is extremely important to me as I believe in the script. It’s like the center of everything—the story starts from it and all creative decisions flow through it. More than just a series of dialogues and scenes, a script is a plan that determines the narrative, character growth and emotional development of a film. Bottom line: A good script sets up all needed elements for making great films which also touch people deeply.

 

TIFF: How do you see the role of film in society?

Harshada: Documentaries contribute significantly to society because they provide a real-life view of things. They tackle significant subjects such as social, political, and environmental aspects which are usually ignored or not given enough attention. Documentaries can create consciousness by presenting facts and individual experiences; it can also initiate crucial conversations and trigger transformation. Additionally, they allow people to comprehend the intricacies of their environment thereby fostering an enlightened and compassionate community.

 

TIFF: What is your style of directing?

Harshada: Being collaborative and intuitive is how I direct. For people to see their creative input, I create an environment that is open-minded and supportive of the crew and cast members. To determine what works best for me on every undertaking, I try to comprehend the characters and narrative.

Moreover, I am fond of adaptability and flexibility which allows for the natural growth of performances or scripts in the course. Nevertheless, I do not abandon my vision for any movie but rather welcome unexpected contributions that may improve it further. My aim is not only to create space where all participants can give their best towards the success of a project but also to make films that touch hearts as well as minds universally.

 

TIFF: How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within the team?

Harshada: I address conflicts by encouraging open and respectful communication. I listen to all perspectives, seek common ground, and focus on solutions that align with the project’s goals. By resolving issues promptly and constructively, I aim to maintain a cohesive and motivated team.

  

TIFF: How do you approach filmmaking on a limited budget?

Harshada: When I’m doing a low-budget documentary film (especially without producer support) — the whole nine yards.

What I always try to do is use resources as much as possible but in creative ways where they are not wasted. So what comes first? For me it’s all about prioritizing what’s important and finding cheap solutions to get there. Is there anything I can leave out? Anything we don’t need? Can we use one thing for two different jobs? Do we have to rent or can we borrow? What can we shoot at our friends’ houses? Who will work for free?

Pre-production: This is where everything happens, this is the most important part. Let’s plan everything so meticulously that nothing goes wrong. Sometimes, too, if you are lucky enough to have a community behind you who want to see your film made, you can crowd-fund this way.

So yeah basically… how do I make good documentaries with no money?

 

TIFF: What kind of impact do you hope to make with your films? How do you measure success?

Harshada: I intend to make movies that motivate and cause people to think, thereby facilitating critical conversations on various matters of interest. I want my viewers to feel deeply about what they are watching while at the same time drawing their attention towards those narratives that may have otherwise remained untold.

To me, success can be gauged by how well received a film is by its target audience; this includes getting feedback from them as well as determining whether or not such work has achieved its goals. For example, some signs could include positive reviews given by critics alongside accolades won during award seasons but also whether it contributed towards social change or not besides just raising awareness about something. Moreover, it would indicate success if people talk about this movie among themselves within communities where these issues are relevant

 

TIFF: Independent filmmaking often involves taking risks. How do you balance risk and reward?

Harshada: Balancing risk and reward in independent film means trying hard and making good decisions. I evaluate the risks by assessing everything from finances to logistics, then weigh them against ben efits like artistic satisfaction or long-term career growth.

To ensure that risks are well managed during project implementation phase goal setting becomes my priority together with maintaining a clear vision which acts as a map when it comes to decision-making Flexibility is also very important because one has to be ready for anything since there might occur some unexpected challenges along the way while adapting accordingly.I always rely on my team who are always dedicated and plan before.

I balance between chances taken vis-à-vis their accompanying rewards through gathering necessary information, remaining focused on what needs accomplishment at each stage of development; moreover being prepared for any eventuality. With this method, profits can be maximized while hazards that come with such movies taken care of.

• Trending tags:
• Interview
• Indie FIlmmaker
• Women Filmmaker
• Award Winner
• Harshada Pathare