‘Take a Stand’ A Unique Campaign that has been launched towards protection of women, spreading awareness and bringing about a new change. It has been initiated by Internationally Acclaimed Filmmaker and Animator Mr Varun Mehta, who has joined us today to discuss about this important cause and how he sees the developments further. Excerpts from the Interview.
krishnayadav : Tell us about your campaign ‘Take A Stand’. And what are its objectives.
VM: ‘Take a Stand’ is an online campaign launched for the protection of women .Whatever we have seen since few months, the crimes, the violation, the blasphemy against women has shook the world down. Nearly a hundred of campaigns are launched to take a step further, but how many of them actually last long. With ‘take a stand’ we believe to stand up with the campaign unless our voices are clearly heard and the word justice finally gets its meaning.
krishnayadav : Any Special reason for using animation for the campaign.
VM: I wouldn’t call it animation actually. It’s more like a graphical presentation, but in wider sense, it will be considered animation. I think it was the best thing that could be used for the campaign. The whole idea was to present the women as a form of a gift sent by god and how it’s brutally violated and destroyed. At last there is a message to ignite ourselves to protect this gift in the end.
Krishnayadav : You always had been working towards social causes with your films. Any specific reason why social causes draws your much attention?
VM: I feel that these social causes require much attention than that of an individual. I can connect with them more easily as a responsibility.
krishnayadav : How has been the response to ‘Take A Stand’?
VM: Oh it’s great! Even though we launched the campaign just now but the support can be already seen. Animation galaxy website is celebrating their first anniversary with us by launching a contest that will double up the awareness and SAID (Society for animation in Delhi) will also play a key role in the campaign.
krishnayadav : You won three big titles for your films last year. It seems like a record for an Independent studio/filmmaker. How do you feel on that?
VM: Last year had been mixed even though I achieved a lot. Where one hand I was happy that my hard work had paid off, On the other hand, I was bit upset due to my father’s illness. Besides I feel it’s just a beginning and I have a very long way to go.
krishnayadav : Do you think that the ‘message’ part gets heavier in your films that affects even the quality sometimes.
VM: Of course! I never said that a particular piece of work done by me has been my best. It’s yet to come. My films are message oriented. I love to tell stories without being afraid I might not do them technically right. Besides how many people would just sit back, watch and understand the message. Their heads will turn only when you win a particular platform. In the end, there are many mouths, many tongues, many words, we have to choose what really affects us or not. What I believe that a coin shouldn’t be seen from one side only. The struggle should be seen too. It’s up to us to keep learning and moving forward.
krishnayadav: We heard that ‘Wiz’ will complete one year this June. How has been the journey?
VM: Oh it’s been great. I finally can feel wings on my back. We had the film ‘the wonder stone ‘won at film skillet sci-fi short film festival then we had all India CG contest which went to out to be a successful event and few days back, concluded our first animation quiz contest. The journey has been fabulous.
krishnayadav: It has been a long time since you announced the project ‘Survivor’. But lately we haven’t heard anything about it?
VM: ‘Survivor’ is a very special project and I don’t want to be in a hurry for it, it requires time and team effort. I have decided not to make it single handed as I want it to measure good standards. Talk are on, let’s see. My next production is a short film called ‘The Hope’ which I will start working in June. Till then I have been enjoying lots of events regarding animation. Every place I visit comes off as a learning experience.
krishnayadav : Atlast a final word for our Readers.
VM : Please support our Campaign ‘Take A Stand’. It’s very important for every citizen to take part, stand by it and bring a change for better tomorrow. ‘Support’ is the thing we really need. God Bless you all.