Hawaii International Film Festival - The Tiger Hunter
A clever young Indian man migrates to 1970s Chicago to pursue "greatness" and live up to the legacy of his father, a larger-then-life tiger hunter back home--but when his job falls through, he must resort to an elaborate charade with misfit friends in order to woo his childhood sweetheart.
Interview with Writer/Director Lena Khan
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made it because, against what I thought at the time, the creative executives I was working with told me people would be fascinated about the stories I grew up with -- stories of my dad who immigrated here (the story that started this is when I told them how he broke his European roommate's toilet to steal a stool sample to fast-track his Visa to America), stories of others who immigrated -- and encouraged me to delve deeper. And that's what I did!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
My answer used to be different, but after going to the last ten festivals, I can safely say: because you will go away just happy. And having had a really good time. We've had nothing but positive reviews, have won several festivals now, and we just get incredible enthusiasm from our audiences. It's been fantastic. So go because you'll get a theater experience where you get to laugh hysterically at stories you don't usually see, and get a redefinition of what you may have thought of the definition of success. Plus, you get to see some awesome stars (Danny Pudi of COMMUNITY, Karen David of GALAVANT and ONCE UPON A TIME, Jon Heder of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, Rizwan Manji of OUTSOURCED, and Kevin Pollak of THE USUAL SUSPECTS among others).
It's a film that we had a good time making, and you'll have a great time seeing. You'll see 13 guys in an apartment spooning to sleep because they have no room, you'll see guys try to steal someone's General Lee car (somewhat...), you'll see a really believable and hopeful love story.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The story is mostly universal. It was written during the economic crisis, at a time when people were struggling more than ever to climb the career ladder, and felt inadequate unless they succeeded in that climb. This film is about a character reassessing that journey, and that's something everyone can relate to. It's about the choice between chasing ambition...and love.
And, it's person in some ways because my grandfather was a tiger hunter at a time when tigers would ravage villagers. I was always fascinated with how my dad came from this family of glory, but came to the United States on the bottom of the totem pole -- and what would that be like? We've been told at screenings that everyone has identified with the movie, either from the perspective of the universal immigrant experience, or one of just nostalgia in looking back at one's parents through rose-colored glasses.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
We were re-writing up until we shot! And even then, I was rewriting scenes for the next day every night before. Part of this was to embrace the amazing actors that came on board. Danny Pudi (SAMI MALIK) brought soul and tremendous wit and a goofy, guileless humor that the character didn't necessarily have, and I wanted to embrace that. Karen David (RUBY IQBAL) brought more spunk than our original writer had. And etc etc.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's been fantastic. We've won Best Film at Carmel International Film Festival and Best Film, Director, and Ensemble Cast at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, and more. At nearly every festival we've played at, we've been either the Opening Night or Closing Night film. We had a tremendously positive review in The Hollywood Reporter. The response has been overwhelming and effusive, and it's been great.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Back when I was doing a Kickstarter campaign for this movie, I never knew it would become what it was. I thought it'd be a tiny little movie. But I believe in the crew we hired, the cast we brought on board, and the people who made this happen -- and they've really made this shine.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
This is one of those 'little movies that could." It spreads by word of mouth, and while people absolutely adore it when they see it, first they have to hear about it. I hope people will be motivated to go online to www.thetigerhunter.com and join our mailing list (we'll only tell you when the movie is released) and join us on social media. And of course we always would love more press.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are already selling in the foreign market, but we are looking right now for North American distribution. We'd also love journalists to help us get the word out!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want it to get out to people, so they can see and connect with this story. We're not worried about the reception -- we've already seen how people embrace it. We just need it to get out there.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What does it really mean to be successful, and what would you give up to get to that definition of success?
Would you like to add anything else?
Movies like this get out there because of the support of people like you, so please check us out on social media and at our website, and see the movie when it's out there!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
My producer Megha Kadakia is always producing something or other in various media, my producer Nazia Khan is intensely private so I won't say what she's up to, and I'm working on a feature and a couple TV shows! I got signed at a big agency (CAA) after this film, and have been so grateful on where the film and they are taking me.
Interview: November 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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THE TIGER HUNTER
A clever young Indian man migrates to 1970s Chicago to pursue "greatness" and live up to the legacy of his father, a larger-then-life tiger hunter back home--but when his job falls through, he must resort to an elaborate charade with misfit friends in order to woo his childhood sweetheart.
Length:
94 minutes
Director:
Lena Khan
Producer:
Megha Kadakia, Nazia Khan
Writer:
Lena Khan and Sameer Gardezi
About the writer, director and producer:
Lena Khan is the writer and director of the award-winning feature film, THE TIGER HUNTER. She is now working on a feature and television show.
Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Distributors, Journalists
Funders:
Private Equity
Release date:
2017 projected
Where will it screen in the next month?
Hawaii International Film Festival, Santa Fe Film Festival