As a filmmaker, please introduce yourself.

I am Parvi Anand, a 16-year-old student with an unwavering passion for filmmaking and writing.

Rooted in a deep awareness of societal injustices, I am dedicated to using my creative talents to address

pressing social issues through documentaries and films. 

 

Why you became a filmmaker as director and producer?

I became a filmmaker as director and producer because I wanted to use my writing skills and put it into a visual format.

Through these projects I strive to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and provoke meaningful conversations

that inspire positive change.

 

Give some more information about yourself and the films you have made so far, about your experience?

"Homefront: A Dothan Story" was my first documentary and the first time I ever stepped into the world of filmmaking.

Being the editor, producer, writer and director gave me the opportunity to experience all of the different roles that go

into this, so it was an amazing learning experience! 

 

What are the films or people that had impacts on you and deeply inspired you to become a filmmaker?

Becoming a filmmaker was a bit impulsive for me. I've always been drawn to writing, especially journalism

and creative writing. However, I've also been fascinated by the process of turning written stories into visual experiences.

Seeing how people could take words and transform them into something you can see has always intrigued me.

So, while my journey into filmmaking might have been impulsive, that fascination with visual storytelling

has been there all along.

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You have made your first film "Homefront: A Dothan Story" which got official selection in the

"American Golden Picture International Film Festival".

As a filmmaker, why you decided to make it?

I decided to create “Homefront: A Dothan Story,” a documentary that explores the affordable housing crisis in Dothan, Alabama. Growing up in Dothan, a small suburban city, I was aware that affordable housing issues were not as prominent as in urban areas. However, this didn't mean they weren't a problem within our community. My ultimate goal was to raise awareness about this pressing issue within the Dothan community. 

 

What were some of the challenges you faced in making this specific film?

I would say my biggest challenge was doing everything myself. I had no previous experience with being an editor, producer, and director. So having to learn everything and adapt was a journey. But in the end I was proud of the outcome. 

 

Let us more about your experience in this Documentary film?

Overall, I would say that it was a great first experience, and I hope to continue making many more! 

 

What was it like to work with your Crew in this film?

Since I took on most of the roles myself, there wasn't necessarily a crew I had to work with. However, I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with and understanding the viewpoints of all the interviewees.

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For you what was the biggest lesson you had to learn after making this film?

I would say my biggest lesson was when interviewing to treat it as more of a conversation then more of a Q&A to get more authentic and natural responses. 

 

What keeps you inspired to continue filmmaking?

I am inspired to continue filmmaking because I want to continue raising awareness on pressing issues within our community, and give a voice to those who go unheard.  

 

What are your filmmaking goals?

My filmmaking goals are focused on raising awareness about pressing social issues within my community and giving a voice to those who are often overlooked or unheard. I want to continue using my creative talents to provoke meaningful conversations and inspire positive change through my documentaries and films.

 

What is your next project?

My next project will be a documentary on the “Donkey Flight” or "Dunki," a risky and illegal immigration method used to gain entry into countries like the US, UK, and Canada typically by those from northern India. It involves migrants who were exploited by “travel agencies” giving false hope to these individuals of foreign travel in exchange for a hefty payment. This way of travel involves perilous conditions, and the constant risk of being discovered all for a better future. I will dig in to find the root cause and provide an understanding of what drives these individuals to resort to such extreme measures.

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Thank you and Good Luck Parvi,