For Film's Sake - AMMA
A young Indian woman moves to a new culture, and realises she is stronger then she could have ever imagined.
Interview with Writer/Director Anusha Muller
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! I made my film see my own story on the big screen - I've loved films for as long as I can remember, but have always found a lack of representation really disheartening. I wanted to make a film that really celebrated the strength and power of Indian women.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The film takes the audience on a women's journey from meek housewife to a strong woman, and I think it's important to recognise the strength of women who may not seem stereotypically 'strong' at first.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is a tribute to my mother, so it's very personal - I think that's where it's strength comes from, audience members are smart and want to see stories that are deeply moving and make them feel something, which I feel I have created with 'AMMA'.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Originally the script was focused on a caucasian female, based on the original actress I had. I had an epiphany one day and realised that I needed to be telling the story of brown women, and use my platform to showcase them on screen - and from then on the story wrote itself, and the film really seemed to lock into place.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People have been really supportive, and said the film really made them feel something - which is always what a director wants to hear! I've had a lot of support from my female friends who are also filmmakers so it's been great to have all of the hard work and uncertainty rewarded.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It's been great to see that people really thrive on seeing diversity on film - and are crying out to see their stories on the big screen as well! At times it felt like a risk telling a personal story but it's been one really worth taking.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd love to encourage other female filmmakers to take the risk and make the films they have sitting in their minds or at the bottom of their drawers! It's a challenge but it's so worth it.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I think its really a group effort - everyone needs to come together to recognise the importance of seeing different cultures on Australian screens.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
If this encourages any Indian girls to think that their culture/ethnicity is cool, I feel like I've done my job.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why don't we have more diversity on our screens?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Some of us are working on a film called Bird, written by a fellow female Indian filmmaker Arundati Thandur. Watch this space for that one!
Interview: April 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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AMMA
A young Indian woman moves to a new culture, and realises she is stronger then she could have ever imagined.
Length: 12mins
Director: Anusha Muller
Producer: Stephanie Fuller
Writer: Anusha Muller
About the writer, director and producer:
Anusha Muller has a keen interest in film and representation and is an ACCTA award-winning producer. Her previous work includes 'Fenced' and she makes her directorial debut with 'AMMA'
Stephanie Fuller is a keen producer of independent short films and has a passion for showcasing female work within the industry. Her credits include 'AMMA', 'Nerfed' and 'Sugar'
Key cast: Sana'a Shaik and Mansoor Noor
Social media handles: @anushamuller
Made in association with: UTS