Questions by Monesh AhujaHM> How did you get involved in the field of cinema? Was anyone in your family ever involved in filmmaking? (or some other form of aesthetic/ entertainment). Please tell us about your journey into the world of film.
>> I was always interested in storytelling. I read voraciously as a youth, and always knew I wanted to write/tell stories in some capacity. Also, when I was young, I did quite a bit of performace for dance, and ended uptaking a number of drama classes and always loved it. As I got older (high school), I started writing for a number of journalistic outlets, and then later in college started learning web design. I loved the visual expression that came from designing web sites, and I always stuck with my writing. Thus, I later became extremely interested in the medium of film to combine my love of visual media and storytelling.
I got my BA in english Literature, and then went to graduate school to study documentary filmmaking (MA at UC-Berkeley`s Graduate School of Journalism) because I was incredibly driven my social issues, and still am.
After working in documentaries some, I ended up shifting to narrative filmmaking, because I love the writing part of it. I still like to write about characters in a social context and explore tough issues.
![]()
Leena with actors Purva Bedi and Danny Wooten
Though no one in my family is involved in entertainment, my mother is a prolific artist who paints, makes pottery, sews and in general is always creating. She never worried about where the art was going, she just constantly did it, and had my sister and I doing it as well. Her influence definitely made me always want to pursure something creative.
HM> What are your major responsibilities as a
filmmaker?
>>To work on new ideas, and find ways to get your film funded/made.
HM> Do you feel a formal education is required for the field of filmmaking? What about say, for writing? (Robert McKee`s principles.)
>>I believe some type of education is definitely
needed, though it may not be a formal school program. Film, to me, is such a complex medium because it involves so many layers of expression. I believe that watching many movies, reading as much as possible and studying the medium is deinfitely needed. But it`s definitely something where if you crew on shoots and keep writing, you can learn that way as well. But film school certainly helps in terms of meeting people and learning the craft from the experts.
HM> What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, or are currently facing? What significant problems does the field as a whole face? (Piracy, and the like). I remember about 10 years ago, when I walked into a blockbuster video rental store, the store was packed with videos. Today, almost 50% of the store is dedicated to videogames. Do you think the videogame business is eating up the market share of films?
>>As a young filmmaker still breaking in, the biggest challenge I face is getting my next project made. Having made 3 shorts, I would like to make a feature soon. But I face the daunting task of raising the money required to get a feature film made, which is just tough.
Another part of this industry that is definitely tough is the constant rejection. The rejection comes from all fronts, whether it be festivals, producers, etc.
HM> What do you have to say about the contribution digital technology has made to the world of film? Can multi-million dollar movies now be made at much lower costs?
>>I believe digital technology is wonderful,
particularly for filmmakers who are starting out. Now days, a filmmaker can go out and get a decent camera for a couple thousand dollars and start working on something. But a multi-million dollars film is still a big endeavour to take on.
![]()
Leena Pendharkar, Writer/Director of This Moment
HM> What personal qualities do you feel a person should possess for filmmaking in general? In a fight between Guts and Reason, who`d win according to you?
>>A person must be incredibly thick-skinned to be in
this field. For every step of the process, you will find someone who tells you "no" or that tells you you somwhow aren`t good enough. It can cause the kind of self doubt and pity that is paralyzing, but it is critical to keep a positive attitude, and always stay focused on the work rather than the negative energy.
HM> what do you most enjoy about your work?
I love creating. I love the process of coming up with a new idea and developing it from start to finish. I love every piece of the craft of filmmaking, whether it is the writing, cinematography, lighting, costume design, editing, etc. Though I may not be involved in all of these things, each piece is critical to the film.
HM> What do you least enjoy about your work?
>>Fundraising!
HM> How has being an ethnic minority been an advantage/disadvantage to you?
>>It`s great because I have unique stories to share.
HM> What is your take on inspiration?
>>Critical. For me, it comes from art, but also from living life. I work as a teacher in a community college where I work with so many different types of people. I feel lucky that I have this outlet, because I really love teaching.
HM> What are your favorite films?
>>Maria Full of Grace, Wizard of Oz, Harlan County USA, Angel Heart
HM> What is your definition of "success"?
>>Living life by your own deiniftions, and doing what you love.
HM> What advise do you have for aspiring writers/filmmakers?
>>Do it for the love.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LEENA PENDHARKAR, PLEASE VISIT
http://www.spicymango.com