An exciting BEHIND THE LENS this week as we travel the globe and take a look at history and culture in India through the lens of two amazing films and their respective filmmakers as we talk about THE LAST COLOR and THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI. Plus, exclusive interviews with filmmakers DEON TAYLOR and DAN KRAUSS who talk about their films, BLACK AND BLUE and THE KILL TEAM, respectively. And check it out! This is an expanded edition of #BTLRadioShow with a new segment, “Behind The Lens After Hours”!
First up, take a listen to excerpts of my exclusive interview with director DEON TAYLOR as he talks about BLACK AND BLUE, a socially conscious commentary on topical issues plaguing our country today but told within the parameters of an action thriller. Hear Deon’s thoughts on his thematic approach as a storyteller, his continued collaboration with cinematographer Dante Spinotti and what makes Spinotti so great, working with Naomie Harris, and more. BLACK AND BLUE is in theatres now!
Then hear from our first guest, Michelin Star Chef VIKAS KHANNA as he talks about his latest venture THE LAST COLOR, his directorial debut. A renowned chef, restauranteur, poet, tv personality, and author, Vikas now adds ‘filmmaker” to his resume. An adaptation of Khanna’s short story, THE LAST COLOR is the story of a 9-year old girl and her friendship with a widow in a patriarchal and archaic society that outlawed widows from celebrating Holi, the festival of love or “colors” signifying the victory of superior over immoral. (The law was ultimately abolished in 2013.) That friendship would change the girl’s life and take her from the streets of Banaras to the Supreme Court of India. Listen as Vikas talks about the recipe for this film – from casting to color to cinematography, the challenges of shooting on location in India (including some amusing anecdotes), shooting practically with no special effects, emotionally evocative visual metaphor, and of course, finding the right amount of cinematic magic that puts the icing on the cake, so to speak. Such a joy speaking with him, I can’t wait for him to return to #BTL! THE LAST COLOR is in theatres now!
At the midpoint of the show, a first. Mother and daughter, SWATI BHISE and DEVIKA BHISE, are on hand talking about their new film THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI. Talk about a dynamic! Mothers and daughters everywhere will relate to these two ladies. They are fabulous! Based on the true story of the 1857 war against the British East India Company, THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI is as much a female-driven powerhouse behind the scenes as on-screen and in history. Led by Rani Lakshmibai, her courage and fight for Jhansi spawned a two year battle for independence. Similarly, Swati and Devika spent approximately two years on the film bringing it to production-ready. Co-writers, Swati makes her directorial debut (and does costume design) and directs daughter Devika who stars as Rani Lakshmibai. A true champion of history and the Indian and British cultures, Swati talks about her research into the Rani’s life and the efforts she put into authenticity with the film through script, casting, and visuals. Impressive are battle sequences with hundreds of extras, horses, exacting fight choreography with talwar swords. Swati talks in-depth about shooting everything in-camera and the importance of extensive preparation with storyboards and a collaborative and talented team. Interesting discussion comes when talk turns to the sub-titling of the film and the challenges of not only translating dialogue (the film is in three languages and for the most part is in English) but translating it for meaning versus verbatim. As we hear, this is a task that fell in large part to Devika as important to both women was that the vernacular of the dialogue would not only fit the historical period but have a modern flow to it. And, of course, hilarity ensues as Devika and Swati talk about the mother-daughter relationship as co-writers, Devika coming on as Executive Producer, and Swati directing her daughter. Where and when do you stop being mother and daughter and become director and actor? Their enthusiasm and passion for this film is infectious! THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF JHANSI opens in 300 theatres across the United States on November 15th.
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