A Seniors Bollywood dance class in Melbourne City, is the perfect intercultural setting, to discover new friendships and unpack misconceptions about ageing. Simultaneously, miraculous healings take place, through the extraordinary power of happiness.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Joshinder Chaggar

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I began teaching a Bollywood seniors dance class in 2018. As I got to know my students better, my own perceptions of age were challenged. I began to question what does the word 'old' mean? I felt compelled to make a story about this group of seniors, to share their joy and wisdom with the world.

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

More Than Cute could easily be the 'feel-good film of the year'. It is uplifting, joyous and is sure to put a smile on your face. It might also challenge you to think about your own perceptions of age.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The universal themes of unpacking age, intercultural exchange and inter-generational exchange are dominant in the film. But the soul of the film is the many layers of friendship; between the seniors themselves, between the dance teacher (myself) and the studio owner, and between the dance teacher (myself) and the students. Additionally, I am in my 40's, and I have been contemplating age as a dancer and an artist. Watching women in their 60s and 70s who continue to expand and learn new skills, affects me very personally.

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

I began filming the seniors in January 2020, on a phone. I filmed them all through lockdown, via the 5km rule, on Zoom, in the park etc. Over two years, I got to know them intimately and secured their trust. I thought I would make a COVID story. However, I realised that those two years of filming served as research. It was a very vital and insightful time, that helped me craft my final short film.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film makes people laugh and cry. It uplifts them. It inspires them. Overall, the audience has said that it is a delightful film.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

No. The feedback is in line with what I was expecting.

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

I would love to get a distribution deal for this film. I believe this content contributes very positively to the world, and I would love for it to be available via a streaming or online platform, to 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?

For this film, I need sales agents, buyers or distributors. I am also working on a feature documentary, with similar themes, for which I am looking for producers. I would also love to meet journalists.

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

The impact I would love this film to have is that people drop the illusion of age, and start living and doing whatever it is that makes them happy. Also, for people to realise that movement really is a key ingredient for good health, especially as you get older.

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

What do you feel you are too old for?

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

Joshinder Chaggar (director, producer and writer) is currently working on a feature documentary, expanding on similar themes. This is also a self-produced film. She is seeking producers to come on board.

Interview: June 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

More Than Cute

Director: Joshinder Chaggar

Producer: Joshinder Chaggar

Writer: Joshinder Chaggar

About the writer, director and producer:

JOSHINDER CHAGGAR is passionate about an intimate sharing of ourselves and our cultures. She is currently undertaking a PhD at Deakin University, in dance studies. Her work till now has mainly been in the field of dance. She is an emerging filmmaker; More Than Cute, is her first short film. She is currently working on her second film, a feature documentary, working with similar themes – unpacking age and celebrating older women.

Key cast: Maret Korju (playing herself), Jenny Goldsmith (playing herself), Billie De Bondi (playing herself)

Looking for: sales agents, distributors, journalists, producers, buyers

Facebook: Joshinder Kaur Chaggar

Instagram: @joshinderkaurchaggar

Hashtags used:#morethancute #seniorsrock #bollyseniors

Made in association with: Supported by Studio J Dance

Funders: Self funded

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

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival/Melbourne - Cinema Nova Carlton - Date mid to end July 2023 (date not finalised yet)