MITTI (Discovering Ikigai), 30min., Canada
Directed by Sangita Iyer
Mitti (Discovering Ikigai) is a story of young woman of colour in Canada who chose organic farming as her career choice. Through her story the film highlights the Japanese concept of Ikigai to inspire others, especially youth, to find their passion and purpose in life. The film also highlights environmental and sustainability challenges the world is facing and how ancient cultures considered Mother Earth with gratitude instead of a commodity. The film also attempts to break stereotypes we have about how/what a farmer looks like. The film poster has been conceived and created by at 12 year art enthusiast who seems to have discovered her Ikigai.

http://www.mettlefilms.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mettlefilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Several reasons actually.
This is one of the topics I am passionate about because culturally I was raised to have a sense of gratitude towards Mother Earth who is considered a life giver, the one who nourishes and sustains us and is worshipped as a Divine Mother. As a mother myself, I believe knowing where our food comes from, learning how to grow our own food and being connected to nature is really important for our future generations because as a society we seem to be getting more and more disconnected from nature. When I formed my production company Mettle Films, it was born with a vision of making films for a cause. Films that are simple, yet thought provoking stories of people, places and things which could also be utilized as a learning resource by schools and parents. I also decided to tell this story to support a local young female farmer, and by showcasing her journey, my hope is to empower others to discover their Ikigai.

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

Longer than I would have liked; approximately a year.

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

Food 4 Thought! (Guess technically thats still 2 wordsEmoji)

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

Funding - which in turn led to other obstacles. Domino effect!

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

Yes! They get it!!Emoji
As a filmmaker you have a vision when you start a film and when you see the audience resonating with the film, making connections and appreciating your efforts it is truly encouraging especially for an independent filmmaker like myself wearing multiple hats in every project. I would like to extend my thanks to all the reviewers for taking the time to watch my film and sharing their detailed feedback.

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

I truly have no idea. I was at the peak of my corporate career when I took a break to be home with my second child, but then never returned to the corporate world after that. Instead I went back to film school. Maybe mid life crisis (just kidding), or maybe this was my calling and it was just meant to be. Either way, I am grateful to my husband for his unconditional support as I made the switch from being at the peak of my career, earning a paycheque and giving it all up to start making films out of pocket.

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

No specific title comes to mind but in the last several years I have enjoyed watching a variety of shows/series over films and I am also an avid reader.

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

The 4 tier approach that your festival has offered is a unique approach and extremely helpful to upcoming independent filmmakers like myself.

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

Fantastic.

10. What is your favourite meal?

I enjoy diverse cuisines but at the end of the day a simple home cooked Indian meal is always my go to meal.

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

Films actually! One feature doc currently in production, 3 short docs in pre production phase and one more feature doc on my wishlist which I hope to begin once I wrap up my ongoing projects.