ONYKO FILMS AWARDS

"JOON"

Directed by Barnali Ray Shukla

How did you start making films and what was the first film project you worked on?

For Channel V, I wrote, directed and co produced a short film. That’s when I actually started making films. My first feature film, as a writer director, was Kuchh Luv Jaisaa.

What inspired you to work on your new project, Joon?

The new film, Joon,  addresses that elusive question ‘how do you know who is the one for you?’

Can you tell us a little about, Joon?

One summer in the mountains during his first biking trip with his friends, the cool and casual Sid sees a new side to him when he meets Joon, days before her wedding. Joon tries to ignore this guy from the city who is winning her heart without giving her a choice.She gets on with her life as planned, by marrying Jay, the man she was certain about. Sid and his friends return to the city but things won't be the same again. Sid and Joon don’t keep in touch but then her new life crosses Sid, when she is least expecting it ...  

What was it like to work with your team?

It is exciting and challenging to work with a team. Films are made that way, so earlier we connect the better it is, for the film. That’s the goal. I hope that we are able to work together again.

Why do you want to make films and be a filmmaker in this world?

I never knew in my student years that I will make films. And now, I can’t think of doing anything else. Films are like living so many lives and connecting the world with shared emotions, experiences and uniting with stories.

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

The films that will remain most important to me are, Life Is Beautiful, Doctor Zhivago, Lion King,  Wall E, No Country for Old Men, Shawshank Redepemtion, Malena, and in India films that are special for me are Satya, Mauna Ragam, Bandit Queen, Earth, Jaagte Raho, My Name is Khan and most of Satyajit Ray films.

Is art the ticket for a better world? 

Anything that sensitizes us to have empathy, inclusion and shared vision, will make for a ticket for a better world.

Do you believe that art unites people?

Stories unite people but the intent of the maker is very crucial. Art can be protest too, art can be angry, art can be lies too but it will certainly make for richer human living. Art is most neglected in a world run by money. So I can’t say if it unites people but lack of art divides people and brings hatred.

Barnali Ray Shukla