Young generation is more creative and good at presentation, says short-film maker and creative director Tawseef Quazi. In the interview with Fasiullah SM, he urged youth to try film making, a lucrative, creative and challenging career.
Below are excerpts:
What motivated you to choose film-making as a career?
I started my career as an advertising copywriter. I used to write content for ads, ranging from newspaper to television. Attractive writing marketing lines and presentation attracted buyers towards products. It made me realize that we can send right message through this medium. My parents have motivated me to spread good message. And I have always liked writing.
When I came to Hyderabad, I got an opportunity to work as a film-maker in Tajalli Productions. From there I started writing and making short films.
Some of your short films became popular, especially those in Dakni dialect. Could you tell us about your latest two films?
There are plenty of films in Hyderabadi dialect on YouTube. When we send across a positive message, people like it. Comedy videos in Hyderabadi lingo usually become viral on internet.
Two of my recent films are on gender discrimination. ‘Tamanna’ and ‘Viskas vs. Shanti’ are in Hindi language. Gender discrimination is a centuries-old issue of the society. Arabs used to kill female child for being a female child. When Islam came, the practice was outlawed and awareness about gender importance came.
In our country, gender discrimination had been in practice. But things have gradually changed. Women are taking lead in numerous fields. Despite the fact, we could still see incidents such as rapes, different treatment towards male and female, etc.
I have noticed these things since childhood, and realized I should make a film about gender discrimination. A lot films are being made on issues like this. We have seen films such ‘Tare Zameen Pe’, ‘My Name is Khan, and ‘PK’. Unlike mainstream films, we need to convey a message in less time. It’s a beginning. I hope to make more such films.
Your short-film title ‘Vikas vs. Shanti’ generates curiosity and concern. Why it is so?
I took a clue from the present context for the title. Emphasis is often given to a male child’s career. It is presumed that he would bring development and vikas. Therefore we have named the character ‘Vikas’.
On the other hand, a female child is often asked to remain calm [shanti] in all circumstances. She’s been nurtured not to show aggression and activism. She can’t even raise her voice for her rights. It’s been our Indian culture. Therefore, our second character name is ‘Shanti’.
Earlier, it used to be peaceful development. Or development through peace. Nowadays, it’s only vikas, vikas, and vikas! If we think only about vikas, then the nature of vikas would change. It would uproot or harm anything coming its way, including shanti.
Whether short-film making is cost-effective and worth income generating?
It all depends on the strategy of a film maker. There are a variety of ways. It also depends on what type of film you make and for whom it is being made. If it’s made only for social media use, then the parameters would be completely different. We can generate income through sponsorships and on digital platforms.
How do you see film making as a career for youngsters in Digital Age?
Film making is a good career. People can be interested in writing, direction and acting. There are plenty of opportunities in entertainment industry, which is ever growing. It gives a good opportunity for youngsters to try. Film making also becomes a social work when you make movies on social themes.
Making such films becomes easy if creativity is used. Present generation is more creative than previous ones. They can creatively present their message. Youth have to come into it.