Samanya Gandavarapu
Samanya is a Ph.D. in Telugu Literature and a poet, short story writer and essayist. She loves movies and just started her direction.
Samanya's published works are: 1)G.Kalyan Rao Antarani vasantham-vimarshanatmaka Pariseelana.2) Kothagudem poragadiko love letter- an anthology of Telugu short stories. 3)Tea thotala Aadivasilu cheppina Kathalu-folk stories of tribals. 4) Sarala Sundara Sunishita Mamatha- translating Mamata Banerjee's poetry to Telugu. 5)Aadavalla Prema Kathalu-Anthology of Telugu short stories.6) Political essays.- Aalochanam. 7) Prathinidhya(editor and publisher)-best short stories of the year.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
My project, Untouchable, is a music video and part of the short film I finished filming, Meritocracy- a true fiction. I wish to release the music video separately. The music video is about the assertion of the Dalits in India, who were suppressed for centuries by casteist elements.
What are your ambitions with your project?
Dalits in India have asserted their Rights in the last few decades, drawing inspiration from the writings and struggle of Dr Ambedkar. Dalit poetry has emerged as a force to reckon with. I wish my song would become a part of that dalit assertion story.
Tell us something about your shooting. What pleasantly surprised you?
A few months back, I made a music video titled, I KNOW TWO BOYS, on same-sex marriage in the Indian context. I was pleasantly surprised with the actors in that music video, Luis and Karan and their dedication. While filming Untouchable, my DOP, Dona Banerjee, surprised me with her talents.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
My film is targeted at both Dalits and casteist elements. Dalits to help them with their struggles, and casteist elements to sensitize them about the evils of casteism.
Why should distributors buy your music video?
Song and music as a form of resistance have immense potential. Many such examples exist in India, especially the themes of the Telangana movement with colossal viewership.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your music video?
Truthfulness characterizes my work.
Why did you decide to become a music video maker?
I am a writer. I write in Telugu. Many poems, stories and essays of mine have been published. Since childhood, I have been very passionate about music. My daughter Godala Alexandria started writing poetry in English. We both wrote the lyrics for the song, I Know Two Boys, and later, I fancied the idea of making a music video as my directorial debut venture. After mulling it over, I finally mustered the courage and did it. After the success of that music video, I decided to continue my journey as a director and music video maker.
Who is your role model?
BTS. I am always amazed by their talent and work ethic.
Which movies or music videos are your favourites? Why?
I am a great fan of K-pop and Korean drama.
Where do you look for inspiration for your projects?
I get inspiration from the struggles of people and their indomitable spirits to overcome the difficulties. Women, Dalits, and Tribes keep inspiring me.
Which topics interest you the most?
Fantasies, Social issues, and Romance interest me the most.
What do you consider your most outstanding achievement in your career?
Starting to film is the most outstanding achievement in my career.
What is most important about filming/music video making?
I consider background research and authenticity very vital in filmmaking.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
Close-ups and over-the-shoulder shots always attract me.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking/music video making?
The current filmmaking is splendid, and I am always surprised by the fantastic talent.
Who supports you in your film career?
My parents, brothers, my husband and most importantly, my DAUGHTER.
What are the reactions to your music video? (opinion of spectators, film critics, friends and family)
Spectators and film critics received my music videos very well.
Have you already visited any of the film festivals?
No.
What are your plans for a music video-making career?
I want to continue writing songs and making music videos on subjects close to my heart.
Samanya's published works are: 1)G.Kalyan Rao Antarani vasantham-vimarshanatmaka Pariseelana.2) Kothagudem poragadiko love letter- an anthology of Telugu short stories. 3)Tea thotala Aadivasilu cheppina Kathalu-folk stories of tribals. 4) Sarala Sundara Sunishita Mamatha- translating Mamata Banerjee's poetry to Telugu. 5)Aadavalla Prema Kathalu-Anthology of Telugu short stories.6) Political essays.- Aalochanam. 7) Prathinidhya(editor and publisher)-best short stories of the year.
Your project has entered in our festival. What is your project about?
My project, Untouchable, is a music video and part of the short film I finished filming, Meritocracy- a true fiction. I wish to release the music video separately. The music video is about the assertion of the Dalits in India, who were suppressed for centuries by casteist elements.
What are your ambitions with your project?
Dalits in India have asserted their Rights in the last few decades, drawing inspiration from the writings and struggle of Dr Ambedkar. Dalit poetry has emerged as a force to reckon with. I wish my song would become a part of that dalit assertion story.
Tell us something about your shooting. What pleasantly surprised you?
A few months back, I made a music video titled, I KNOW TWO BOYS, on same-sex marriage in the Indian context. I was pleasantly surprised with the actors in that music video, Luis and Karan and their dedication. While filming Untouchable, my DOP, Dona Banerjee, surprised me with her talents.
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
My film is targeted at both Dalits and casteist elements. Dalits to help them with their struggles, and casteist elements to sensitize them about the evils of casteism.
Why should distributors buy your music video?
Song and music as a form of resistance have immense potential. Many such examples exist in India, especially the themes of the Telangana movement with colossal viewership.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your music video?
Truthfulness characterizes my work.
Why did you decide to become a music video maker?
I am a writer. I write in Telugu. Many poems, stories and essays of mine have been published. Since childhood, I have been very passionate about music. My daughter Godala Alexandria started writing poetry in English. We both wrote the lyrics for the song, I Know Two Boys, and later, I fancied the idea of making a music video as my directorial debut venture. After mulling it over, I finally mustered the courage and did it. After the success of that music video, I decided to continue my journey as a director and music video maker.
Who is your role model?
BTS. I am always amazed by their talent and work ethic.
Which movies or music videos are your favourites? Why?
I am a great fan of K-pop and Korean drama.
Where do you look for inspiration for your projects?
I get inspiration from the struggles of people and their indomitable spirits to overcome the difficulties. Women, Dalits, and Tribes keep inspiring me.
Which topics interest you the most?
Fantasies, Social issues, and Romance interest me the most.
What do you consider your most outstanding achievement in your career?
Starting to film is the most outstanding achievement in my career.
What is most important about filming/music video making?
I consider background research and authenticity very vital in filmmaking.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
Close-ups and over-the-shoulder shots always attract me.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking/music video making?
The current filmmaking is splendid, and I am always surprised by the fantastic talent.
Who supports you in your film career?
My parents, brothers, my husband and most importantly, my DAUGHTER.
What are the reactions to your music video? (opinion of spectators, film critics, friends and family)
Spectators and film critics received my music videos very well.
Have you already visited any of the film festivals?
No.
What are your plans for a music video-making career?
I want to continue writing songs and making music videos on subjects close to my heart.