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There is so much violence around identity today, its a word that makes me sad.
We are no longer sure who we are, we are uncertain about our cultural symbols, unclear about our choices, and often very confused about which identity we'd like the world to see.
This is a short film written by an Indian, to be directed by an Indian - in London, featuring Western actors. The breaking down of barriers and prejudices began at that very meta level. Can we reach out across borders and talk and tell a shared story? A story that lurks right under the skin of our large megalopolis hearts, our liberal upbringing, our tolerant and wide world view? A story that holds up a simple, clear and non judgemental mirror to our deep prejudices, our stereotyping of cultures and symbols and the inherent loneliness of identity that such boxing leads to.
After 23 years in radio, broadcasting and music programming, I have now branched out into the audio visual medium as well. In 2014 I quit my job as the National Creative Head of Radio Mirchi and started my own consultancy.
Recently I also launched my own production house: Riya Mukherjee Word Pictures. The Disguise is my script and also my maiden production venture. Due to the love and support of all the listeners of Riya's Retro I have had the courage to try and crowdfund this film.
The director is a wonderful film maker called Sandeep A. Varma whose feature film Manjunath received wide critical acclaim and several nominations and awards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandeep_A._Varma. His short film The Virgins has crossed 11 million views on youtube. His Facebook short: Indiatimes presents Baarish - crossed 400000 views in 4 days.
Sandeep and I are work collaborators and friends and I believe we share a resonance of values and ideology. If like minded people come together, then we can perhaps make a film that leaves a lasting impression and addresses itself to the growing concern of bias, prejudice and hatred around the world.
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Riya Mukherjee
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Sharing still images from a shoot is a bit like frozen magic. When you look at them you remember the moment when the actors prepped, the director briefed, the camera rolled, you craned your neck to peer into the monitor, there were a dozen other people in the room, the sound guy yelled "quiet", one solitary floorboard creaked and then the room went still...
None of that is here. And yet, funnily, all of it is here too. Naomi, Zed, Adrianna, Jennifer - the four main actors in The Disguise were like a gift. In fact, this entire project has been one. I have no idea where it will take us eventually, but so far, it's been magic.
And just when I thought the campaign had ended – and it HAD ended – my friends at crowdera inform me that they are not only extending it for another 30 days but will also advertise, to boost last minute collections.
Angels. Everywhere. So do spread the word. This link is still alive, as is the dream!
https://gocrowdera.com/IN/other/TheDisguise/Riya-5428
So much love.
Riya
Those of you who are connected with me on social media already know that The Disguise, that you have so generously supported, has already been shot across two schedules in London, between July and August this year. Am attaching some images from the shoot, with this update.
During the shoot itself I felt that #SandeepVarma (director) & #EzequielRomero (cinematographer) had shot a beautiful film. And then a few weeks ago I saw the first cut of the film, edited by the amazingly talented #SandeepFrancis. It is quiet, subtle, understated, non judgemental - and looks like the film I set out to make. I have no idea how the world will receive this little expression of ours, but I know I am happy with what I see today.
Currently the film is in post production and the music is being composed alongside. We plan to take it to film labs and market places November onward, and then hopefully start the long festival circuit. Hope to have a good journey there. Your wishes and prayers and goodwill matter stupendously. That is what has brought us this far.
And that is what will take us along.
https://gocrowdera.com/IN/
So much love,
Riya
Those of you who are connected with me on social media already know that The Disguise, that you have so generously supported, has already been shot across two schedules in London, between July and August this year. Am attaching some images from the shoot, with this update.
During the shoot itself I felt that #SandeepVarma (director) & #EzequielRomero (cinematographer) had shot a beautiful film. And then a few weeks ago I saw the first cut of the film, edited by the amazingly talented #SandeepFrancis. It is quiet, subtle, understated, non judgemental - and looks like the film I set out to make. I have no idea how the world will receive this little expression of ours, but I know I am happy with what I see today.
Currently the film is in post production and the music is being composed alongside. We plan to take it to film labs and market places November onward, and then hopefully start the long festival circuit. Hope to have a good journey there. Your wishes and prayers and goodwill matter stupendously. That is what has brought us this far.
And that is what will take us along.
https://gocrowdera.com/IN/
So much love,
Riya
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RIYA
₹ 3300000 Goal₹ 2316671 Raised -
ASTHA
₹ 2500000 Goal₹ 0 Raised -
ATUL
₹ 2500000 Goal₹ 23660 Raised -
VINUTHA
₹ 2500000 Goal₹ 0 Raised -
ABHISHEK
₹ 2500000 Goal₹ 0 Raised -
GAJENDRA
₹ 2500000 Goal₹ 0 Raised
LIVES CHANGED
66
66 lives have changed as a result of donors' support.
