‘DONKEY HEAD’ DIRECTOR AND ‘FUNNY BOY’ ACTRESS AGAM DARSHI'S TOP 5 FAVORITE FEMALE DIRECTORS
How was your experience in filming FUNNY BOY?
Funny Boy was a dream come true. I have always wanted to work with Deepa Mehta. And so to finally join her team, and work on a piece of art that was based an an masterpiece of a book, that showcased a really important glimpse of history, was a real honor. I learned so much, about Sri Lankan history, about the people and the conflicts. It was eye opening, deeply sad and I felt a great responsibility to give voice to the displaced Tamils who had no choice but to leave the only home they knew, for a safer life.
PHOTOGRAPHER: JENNA BERMAN, FASHION STYLING: DOROTHY YEUNG, MAKE-UP: MIN-JEE MOWAT, HAIR: JADE KUGELMAN
What drew you to Radha’s character?
Radha was a character I understood right away. She is the best parts of myself. She symbolizes hope and fearlessness. Her connection to little Arjie was something I was able to connect with pretty easily, because she wanted to protect him, and give him a world where he felt he belonged. I’m a mother, so I was able to tap into that undying love for my sons, and bring it into the character and story.
What’s the best part about playing her?
It was really refreshing to play a character with so much energy and spark. She was like I mentioned: the best parts of me. I wish I was as hopeful as she is, or as fearless. I have my moments but she lives it. Even when she gets scared and maybe looses her way, Radha finds her way back to living a life that is her own, as she does in the end of the film.
Why should people watch Funny Boy?
So many people who have seen the movie, had never even heard about the events of Black July. They had no idea that so many Tamils have been displaced, and had to move away from Sri Lanka. It’s also a big part of Canadian history, as many of them ended up moving to Canada in the early 80s.
It’s also a powerful film about a young boy who discovers his sexuality, and falls in love with another young man. To see two brown men together on screen, in love is rare and profound. I hope people watch it, and are moved and changed by that image.
The film itself, is also beautifully shot, the score by Howard Shore is incredible. It’s deeply moving, and fierce.
What are your top 5 films highlighting the complex dynamics of Indian culture that people should see?
In no particular order:
1) Bend it like Beckham
2) Lunchbox
3) Namesake
4) Earth
5) Gangs of Wasseypur
How’s DONKEY HEAD going? How excited are you to show this to the world?
It’s going very well! Production was really magical. We had the best cast you could imagine, and the crew was so hard working and enthusiastic about the project. I’m overjoyed by the experience. I have so many great people in place who have supported the project and who sincerely want to see it go well.
We are entering into post now, and although I’m going to miss the energy of production, I love the idea of taking my time and working with pros to craft the film, and retell this story for a third time. Making movies is so magical, and this experience has really taught me a lot.
How was it to be a female director during these times?
It’s quite spectacular to be honest. My experience is only in the indie world, so maybe it’s different in mainstream filmmaking. But I’ve noticed a real desire by funders and distributers to hear my voice and see my perspective. People are interested. and that’s exciting. There really is a shift in storytelling, and I’m seeing it firsthand. I love being a writer/director, because I am dedicated to making films about diverse people. I feel like I have a strong purpose and that is really exciting.
Who are your top 5 female directors?
These are my five favorites in no particular order:
1) Deepa Mehta - of course.
2) Ava Duvernay
3) Sophia Coppola
4) Sarah Polley
5) Mira Nair
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
Oh my gosh. That’s a hard question. I think my title would be: DESTINATION ANYWHERE.
It’s a dramedy, because that’s what life is, isn’t it? I feel like I’m constantly evolving and growing and looking for ways to go deeper and deeper into myself and into an experience. I sort of have a plan, but to be honest I’m just letting life take me where I’m meant to go.
