Last Updated on September 4, 2024
If you are wondering how Nishanth R is making his film dream come true, just read on to find out how he is using crowdfunding to fuel the film called “Indian in a Box” in this Gamana News feature.
Now, Nishanth R has come up with a short film titled “Indian in a Box,” which would raise eyebrows related to racial prejudice, work automation, and outsourcing of labor. The project stitches together tense storytelling with satirical commentary on the power dynamics between India and America-all within the confines of a metal box.
An Absurd Horror with a Powerful Message
It tells the story of a wide-eyed Indian outsider to the US who has an offer for a tech job. He gets kidnapped, trapped inside a box, and his survival requires him to perform many different mysterious tasks. The movie is unnerving and at the same time funny, slicing its outlandish premise at some pretty grave points: those of cultural assimilation and exploitation.
From Chennai to Hollywood: A Personal Journey
Nishanth R from Chennai said he often felt an outcast in his own country while growing up amidst American culture that was usually in opposition to traditional beliefs. Relocation to the United States made him look at his Indian heritage with new appreciation; hence, his journey of exploring cultural junctions with his work started. The vigour and satire with which “Phil Gunderson Teaches Screenwriting” cut open class, racism and performance find an extension in “Indian in a Box,” but this time the lens is different as it has exploitation wrought on an immigrant.
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Bringing the Vision to Life
It has been a well-planned journey for Nishanth-from conceptualizing to execution. His team has been in deep pre-production since April, with every little thing getting ready for the shoot. The idea of this preparation constitutes an elaborately set-designed plan, experimental cinematography, and gnarly makeup effects to produce a result that is visually orgasmic and immersive.
The shoot is expected to be in early August; it is a two-day shoot at a soundstage in Los Angeles. Years of experience in the field gave them the ammunition and expertise needed to bring forth this writer-director Nishanth’s vision. They need so much more money in order to get the best gear and tools for maximum effort.
Immediately after shooting, post-production will start, continuing into October. This will include color correction, audio mixing, and an original score to really drive the tension and atmosphere of the film. With such a short runtime of 5-7 minutes, every post-decision will be critical in crafting a well-delivered final product.
Crowdfunding for a Cause
For this purpose, Nishanth has submitted “Indian in a Box” for crowdfunding on Seed&Spark. The site allows him to reach out for more contributors by offering a number of tiers of rewards for different levels of contribution. Indeed, he gives his followers a sense of ownership in the filmmaking process with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and special mentions in the film’s credits.
As Nishanth aptly puts it on Seed and Spark, “Every penny pledged will be put into use in making ‘Indian in a Box’ look better, sound cleaner, and get its message across more effectively. This project is not only a film but a statement of struggles of an immigrant, peeking into some of the systemic problems of the tech industry. Your contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to shining a light on these critical topics.”
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A Call to Action for Support
Nishanth is committed to making “Indian in a Box” a reality, irrespective of the crowdfunding outcome. Every dollar raised will be utilized towards making the film better and reaching more audiences. For those who cannot contribute financially, spreading the word and any other kind of support counts as a similar essential contribution. That much is clear in the way Nishanth dedicates to creating art with meaning, and he invites the rest to join him for the ride. So far, crowdfunding has raised $3,742 for his movie, “Indian in a Box” by Nishanth R., with a funding goal of $10,000.
Last Peg
Nishanth R will act as an inspiration to other new filmmakers in their creative way of approach towards funding and creating “Indian in a Box.” This lends weight to the commitment of support for independent filmmakers tackling tough social issues through creative storytelling. He is taking bold strides through the platform Seed and Spark to bring his bold vision into proof-that where passion and community support exist, even the most ambitious projects can see their day.
Pictures Credit: Seed and Spark