E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Mumbai-based director Subhadra Mahajan discusses her debut feature film ‘Second Chance’ which just had its Hollywood premiere at AFI, following a World premiere at Karlovy Vary earlier this year. Past inspirations include her love for the Iranian New Wave and Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’.

She speaks on her filmmaking journey, influenced by classic Hollywood films, and reflects on her storytelling process, character development, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the themes of healing, nature, and the unlikely friendships made while making films.

Subhadra emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional filmmaking rules to foster creativity, the challenges of working with a low budget, and the significance of community in film festivals.
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1. E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary (00:00:00)

2. Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle (00:00:01)

3. Introducing Filmmaker Subhadra Mahajan, dir. of 'Second Chance' at AFI (00:00:19)

4. Early Influences and Film Education (00:01:01)

5. Early Filmmaking Experiences (00:06:12)

6. Subhadra's Bio / Filmography + Collaborating with Pan Nalin (00:09:10)

7. Character Development Process (00:12:37)

8. Subverting Narrative Expectations (00:16:24)

9. 'The Last Film Show' + 'E.T.' + 'Cinema Paradiso' - Child Protagonists (00:19:25)

10. 'Second Chance' Synopsis + Origin (00:22:05)

11. The Healing Power of Film & Nature (00:25:08)

12. The Artistic Choice of Black and White - 'La Haine', 'Roma', '8 1/2' (00:27:53)

13. Casting Non-Actors + Using Auto-Biographical Elements to Create Realism (00:31:39)

14. Shooting with a Limited Crew + Being a First Time Director + Shooting Chronologically (00:34:47)

15. Getting Creative with the Shooting Schedule (00:37:52)

16. 'Second Chance' - Post-Production (00:41:55)

17. World Premiere at Karlovy Vary + The Significance of Film Culture (00:44:17)

18. Hollywood Premiere at AFI + Cultural Reflections in Film Festivals (00:46:57)

19. Past Inspiration: 'Fish Tank' by Andrea Arnold + The Iranian New Wave (00:48:40)

20. Filmmaking Advice: "Open Your Eyes and Look Around, There's Inspiration Everywhere" (00:50:57)