By ANJALI NAURIYAL
Yogi Devgan, an ardent film producer, director, and writer residing in Australia, hails originally from Punjab. During his visit to India in 2023 for his cousin’s wedding, he embarked on a project, creating a short film – ‘A Silent Escape’ – inspired by true events. The narrative revolves around a single mother’s quest to find her kidnapped son. Successfully screened at the 54th International Film Festival of India 2023 (IFFI, Goa) Film Bazaar, Devgan is dedicated to shedding light on social issues, aiming to evoke emotional connections with the characters. Despite budget constraints, he revealed that this film serves as a pilot for a potential feature film.
He spoke to GARHWAL POST in this regard. Here are some excerpts:
You have made a number of short films previously, what makes this one different?
This short film stands apart from my other works due to its unwavering commitment to shedding light on pressing but often overlooked issues surrounding child trafficking and women’s safety in India. While my previous films have explored various themes, this project is particularly distinctive because it tackles the grim realities faced by vulnerable individuals, especially children and women, who become victims of trafficking and violence. By delving into these harsh and underreported realities, the film seeks to create awareness and provoke much-needed conversations about these critical issues. It is an earnest attempt to bring to the forefront the very real struggles and injustices that persist in India, aiming to ignite change and inspire collective action to protect the rights and well-being of those who are most vulnerable in society.
What/who inspired you to make films?
I draw inspiration from my innate fascination for storytelling, a deep-seated curiosity about the world, and a penchant for analysing stories, news, and the characters I encounter in everyday life. It’s within this realm of keen observation and creative exploration that my passion for filmmaking takes root. As I immerse myself in the narratives unfolding around me, whether through news, interactions with diverse individuals, or simply observing the human condition, I find my stories organically developing. This intrinsic drive to capture and share these stories through the medium of film fuels my creative journey and forms the foundation of my filmmaking endeavours.
Have you made any films previously in India; how was the experience of shooting here? Was it easy to find cast and crew? Did you organise that before heading to India?
No, this is my first film in India. However, I have aspirations of creating a feature film in this vibrant and culturally rich country, and I wanted to gain some insight into the work culture by starting with a short film project. My experience of shooting in India has been quite fulfilling. I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the Indian crew, and it was impressive how efficiently we managed to complete a 30-minute film in just five days of shooting.
In terms of organizing the project, I had already secured my first assistant director (1st AD) before heading to India, and I was in the process of writing the script during my journey here. Casting proved to be a relatively straightforward process as we engaged the services of a casting agent. Additionally, my personal connection to India, having been born here, provided me with a valuable network and familiarity with various locations, which made the logistics of the shoot much more accessible. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I’m eager to continue exploring the world of filmmaking in India.
