CHHAVA, 39min., India
Directed by Anurag Srijit, Arman Shaikh
Set in the storied Apshinge Military Village in Maharashtra, 'Chhava' offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of families bound by centuries of military service, from the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to today. Crafted with care by first-time student filmmakers, the documentary weaves together personal sacrifices and enduring bravery, revealing the profound human spirit at the village's heart.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32117939/
https://instagram.com/chhava.official

Get to know filmmakers Anurag Srijit, Arman Shaikh:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Arman: My inspiration for Chhava is deeply rooted in my experiences growing up as a National Cadet. The discipline, camaraderie, and unyielding determination I witnessed during those formative years left a lasting impression on me. It wasn't just about the physical training, but the emotional journeys of those striving to make it into the armed forces. With Chhava, I wanted to capture that raw essence of dedication and share the deeply human side of the families of those who dream of serving their country.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Anurag: The shooting phase spanned around 20 days, which was an intense yet creatively fulfilling experience. However, when factoring in post-production, the entire process took about three months. We were meticulous about refining every detail to ensure the final product lived up to our vision. Time was spent crafting the film's mood, pacing, and overall aesthetic, which are crucial to its storytelling.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Arman: Courageous & Resilience

Anurag: Resilient Journey

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Arman: Surprisingly, the journey of creating Chhava was quite smooth as the villagers were eager to share their stories, which fueled the creative process and made the film's development a truly enriching experience. Though the biggest challenge we faced was during the post-production while finalizing the ending. We spent a considerable amount of time debating how to best bring closure to the narrative in a way that would resonate with the audience. We had to carefully balance what to include and what to leave out, ensuring the film's impact remained powerful and true to its core.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Arman: When I first watched the audience reacting to Chhava in the feedback video, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Seeing their genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt discussions about the film was incredibly validating. It's one thing to create a project, but to witness it resonate so deeply with viewers is truly gratifying. Their insights and interpretations provided a fresh perspective, revealing layers I hadn't initially considered. It felt like we had created a shared experience that transcended the screen, sparking conversations about themes of bravery and sacrifice that are so integral to our story. I left the viewing feeling inspired and more connected to the film's impact on the audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Arman: I had a transformative experience while working on Chhava, which truly ignited my passion for filmmaking. It was during this project that I discovered the profound impact storytelling can have on an audience. I owe a great deal of this newfound ambition to Sudeep sir, our mentor at college. His support and encouragement pushed us to explore our creative boundaries and take bold risks. Thanks to his guidance, I realized that filmmaking is not just a career for me; it's a calling that I'm eager to pursue further.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Anurag: While I wouldn't call myself a movie buff in the traditional sense, I definitely have a deep appreciation for films that challenge the way we think and experience storytelling, like Breaking Bad for its impeccable character development, Blade Runner for its iconic blend of philosophy and futurism, and Interstellar for the emotional depth it brings to science fiction.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Anurag: To truly enhance the festival experience, I believe that incorporating more interactive workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals would be invaluable. Additionally, establishing more networking opportunities could facilitate meaningful connections with seasoned filmmakers, potential collaborators, and mentors.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Anurag: Submitting to the festival through FilmFreeway has been an incredibly seamless experience. The platform's user-friendly interface made the submission process straightforward, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of my project rather than getting bogged down in logistics. Overall, FilmFreeway not only simplified the submission journey but also enhanced my excitement about sharing my work with a broader audience.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Arman: While I don't have a single favorite dish, I do have a soft spot for sweets. Whether it's a rich, velvety chocolate or a refreshing scoop of ice cream, I find joy in indulging in these treats.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Arman: Absolutely, there are several exciting concepts that I'm currently exploring. While it's still early, I'm enthusiastic about diving into new narratives that push boundaries and challenge conventional storytelling. It's all about finding the right balance between creativity and timing. So, I'm keen to see how things evolve in the coming months as ideas start to take shape.