AmDocs Film Festival - Chomo
As the first group of Tibetan nuns prepare to be awarded the prestigious Geshema degree, a young Indian nun, Chomo, reflects on her life and future.
Interview with Director Maayan Arad
Congratulations! Why are you making your film?
Thank you! When I was researching stories for my graduation project, I spoke to a few friends in India and found out about the first group of nuns to ever graduate after studying for 21 years. I wanted to understand how a community that has lost their country could survive in exile and what it means. I made this film because I felt inspired and intrigued by the stories of our characters that sacrificed a lot to get an education and to live the way they wanted. Despite their struggles they managed to create more equality in their community.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film captures a very important moment in Tibetan history, as nuns are finally given equal rights. Watching the film, you get to know more about what such a change means to the community, the individual nuns, and their future. The globalised western world is very concerned with material things and money nowadays. The film offers the audience an alternative reality and the opportunity to slow down and to spend 40 minutes with the nuns and their spiritual journeys.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film works on two levels: It’s a personal story of one nun, Chomo, and the story of her community. It explores Chomo’s quest for spirituality, her relationship with her family and the sacrifices she had to make to obtain an education.
Secondly, it also tells the story of a community of refugees that work hard to preserve their culture and identity while embracing new ideas. It also challenges the way we think about education. Looking at the world today, especially within religious institutions, we see that women still struggle to get important and influential roles but the film shows that even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to build more inclusive communities.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Although the main themes haven’t changed much from the original idea, when I started filming I only had a vague idea of how the story would unfold and like most documentaries the script changed a lot during the process. I constantly experienced and learned new things, trying to find a way to make them a part of the story.
It’s all about recognizing opportunities and being receptive and inquisitive. We had to be very spontaneous. For example, when Lobsang decided to go home the following day, we immediately decided that we should join her so we could see what her life was like before she moved to the nunnery. I was also very lucky to work with such a great team that supported me with many brilliant ideas and helped to transform the film in postproduction. The story really came together in the edit.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People relate to different aspects of the story. Some people are more interested in the personal stories of the characters and others are more interested in how monastic education works for example. We received very positive feedback and are really glad that the story moved people. Since the film will have its first public screening next week I am very curious to talk to more people about it.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
One of the great things about the UK's National Film and Television School is that during the work on the film, you constantly get feedback from tutors and friends. It’s good to have fresh eyes and an audience to challenge you and make you question your decisions.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We are looking for more exposure. I hope that more people watch it and to find new opportunities to screen it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anyone who cares about the message of the film and the story resonates with them. Please feel free to get in touch.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope that this film could add another dimension to the conversation around gender equality and that it would remind people of the situation in Tibet.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How could we support refugees and communities in exile with building a future and caring for the next generations?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m currently developing a new idea for a documentary. Producer Khaled Gad is working on a feature with Idris Elba. Editor Jamie Kataky recently started editing an Indian drama feature, an adaption of Titus Andronicus.
Interview: March 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Chomo
As the first group of Tibetan nuns prepare to be awarded the prestigious Geshema degree, a young Indian nun, Chomo, reflects on her life and future.
Length: 42’
Director: Maayan Arad
Producer: Khaled Gad
About the director and producer:
Maayan Arad is a Dutch and Israeli documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, currently based in London. He recently graduated from the NFTS and makes films to tell subtle but moving untold human stories.
Khaled Gad is a BAFTA-winning producer based in London. Upon graduating from the NFTS he worked as director's assistant to Peter Kosminsky and currently Idris Elba.
Key cast:
Lobsang (Chomo) and a special appearance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Made in association with: National Film and Television School
Where can I see it in the next month?
Chomo will have its world premiere at the American Documentary Film Festival in Palm Springs on the 5th of April.