“From a young age, I’ve always been captivated by the world of art. Films, to me, have always been enchanting, motivating me to pick up a camera and start capturing moments. Those initial clicks unveiled a realm of ethics, culture, and fascinating tales. Photography marked my initiation into storytelling, weaving vibrant narratives through every digital snapshot.
My journey was shaped by three years of capturing life’s moments and refining my storytelling skills during my graduation in Mass Communication. It’s more than just an image; it’s about the process, engagement, and diverse perspectives. Photography was my starting point, but I knew I had a broader story to tell. So, I ventured into the realm of journalism, mastering audio-visual communications along the way. Further studies led me to earn a Master’s in Audio-Visual Communications from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications. Film writing and direction became my new expedition, allowing me to explore beyond.
With a background in Mass Communications and a specialization in Direction and Screenplay Writing from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications, I was prepared for this thrilling journey.
Amidst this passion for art and storytelling, a unique idea ignited my excitement.
I had thought about creating a film focusing on sex education awareness for high school kids It definitely took everyone by surprise but this idea sparked a new journey for me as a filmmaker.
The concept of creating a movie centered around sex education for children sprang from my visits to rural South Indian schools, where I discovered that crucial chapters on the reproductive system were being overlooked. Students were left to figure it out themselves, often resorting to their phones and stumbling upon inappropriate content. Shockingly, some schools even enforced gender segregation during these lessons. I wanted to address this issue and break the barriers through my film.
I chose to shoot the film in Rajunaik Thanda, my hometown in the Mahabubnagar district. We dedicated the initial six weeks to counseling and educating the children about this sensitive topic. Following that, we spent another five weeks guiding them on natural acting for the camera, achieved through extensive workshops.
In casting, we opted for non-actors, aligning with our target audience from rural backgrounds. Authenticity was our priority, aiming for a film that feels genuine. So, we carefully selected local boys, believing in the power of true representation.
Set in the rustic ambiance of Rajunayak Tanda in Mahbubnagar district, our film spins the tale of a 16-year-old boy, the central character. Woven with intricate layers, the narrative introduces five significant child characters. The film delves into the realm of sex education, a subject that society often shies away from. It also portrays how our culture subtly instills masculinity in even the youngest, knowingly or unknowingly. Moreover, it reflects on the penetration of digitalization into rural areas and its consequential influence on young minds.
I was determined to infuse a sense of realism, and we shot the entire film with sync sound. While I had experience working with accomplished directors and even as an Executive Producer, this journey with children was entirely fresh and exhilarating. Eight months of engaging workshops marked the beginning of this fascinating project. The children, initially lacking confidence, soon started embracing the journey.
Our workshops ranged from situational classes to understanding sound, with an expert from Mumbai even joining us.
My film ‘Season of Innocence’ was born from this collaborative effort, aiming to capture the true essence of a Telangana village.
We are elated that our film has been officially selected in Ahmedabad International children’s film festival and London Indian film festival.
With the film now completed in post-production and eagerly awaiting the perfect time for release, we’re on the edge of our seats. Keeping it authentic, we opted for sync sound, recording everything during filming, even during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi! With an enthusiastic 60-member crew, all fully embracing this unique idea, we made it happen—thirty-five days of shooting, immersing ourselves in the authentic life of a Telangana village.
Now, as we eagerly await the right moment to share our film with everyone, I’m brimming with excitement. I know you must be curious about the story. Well, it’s a special tale that delves into important themes like understanding one another, kindness, and collaboration. It’s an adventure I’m thrilled to be a part of, and I can’t wait for all of you to join in too!
- Uday Chauhan, Filmmaker”