During the Bengal Famine of 1770, in British colonized India a starving man comes across a landlord who invites him for lunch. Soon the hungry man discovers something terrifying.

Interview with Writer/Director Junayed Alavi

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I grew up watching monster films and listening to horror stories. I remember watching Marvel Studios Werewolf by Night last year Halloween. It got me from the first frame. It was so amazing that I wanted to make a monster film. But I didn't want to make a horror monster film for the sake of making it. I had so many memories of hearing those folklore monster stories that I couldn't stop myself thinking about it. I wanted to do something around monster horror but culturally rooted. South Asian culture and history are so rich. I wrote a script on the horror of the Bengal Famine of 1770 where the horror plays a major role.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Everyone should know the history of India. Indian history is rich, colorful and dark at the same time. It also has its own global perspective. How hunger has become a social stigma around the world.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The story is very much personal but the theme it's carrying is universal. The Monster theme is an allegory of society. The Horror of hunger is real. It's still a major issue in several third-world countries.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I started writing the script during Halloween 2022 and shot the whole film in just one day. All because of our dedicated team.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The best thing that happened was when I sent the film to Peter Cameron, Producer and Writer of Marvel Studios Werewolf by Night, he liked it so much that he immediately wished to come on board as the Executive Producer. Received so many positive responses from the Marvel fraternity.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Of course, it surprised me as we made this film with a very low budget. We didn't expect that the Hollywood fraternity would come forward to support the film.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

People around the world will watch the film. It'll reach more people.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Journalists, Distributors, Buyers.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

It should create a positive impact so that we could make more films like this.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Is the landlord still alive? How?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

A horror feature film.

Interview: November 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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

Hunger

During the Bengal Famine of 1770, in British colonized India a starving man comes across a landlord who invites him for lunch. Soon the hungry man discovers something terrifying.

Length: 5:00

Director: Junayed Alavi

Producer: Junayed Alavi

Writer: Junayed Alavi

About the writer, director and producer:

JUNAYED ALAVI is an Independent filmmaker hailing from West Bengal, India.

Key cast: Kalyan Goswami (Landlord), Sayanta Dhar (Starving Man)

Looking for: buyers, distributors

Facebook: Junayed Alavi

Twitter: @JunayedAlavi

Instagram: @junayed_alavi

Hashtags used: #HorrorShortFilmHunger, @HungerFilm

Made in association with: Alavi Motion Pictures

Funders: Self-funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

International Film Festival of Hannover/Germany - 24 Nov