An interview with the Director of Croak Show, screening at the 2024 Mosaic World Film Festival.
A delightful music evening in the deep woods turns into chaos when an overly enthusiastic fan accidentally wreaks havoc in a burst of excitement.
1. What drew you to create this film?“Croak Show” was conceived during the lockdown period of COVID, while I was staying at a resort far from the bustling city. With human establishments silenced, nocturnal creatures took over the world, creating an orchestra of sounds. I felt they were playing music in the night, free from human intervention and noise—music to their ears, though perhaps noise to ours. This led me to wonder if our music might be noise to them.
I imagined the natural world, alive and vibrant, not as we typically perceive it. What if the prey-predator relationship we assume to be driven by survival instincts were actually expressions of extreme affection, love, or admiration? This idea intrigued me, and I began to envision a nightly concert attended by all the nocturnal creatures—a magical gathering or a rock concert where the ecosystem of the night came alive.
Frogs, with their resonant voices, seemed perfect to take the lead in this symphony. In this world, there are no enemies, only the appreciation of art. The concepts of prey and predator vanish, replaced by performers and their admirers. It’s a realm where everyone celebrates the expression of creativity and the beauty of the night.
Visualizing this enchanting scenario, I realized there was a film waiting to be made. That’s how “Croak Show” came to life—a celebration of nature’s nocturnal symphony and the unity it brings to all its creatures.
2. What does filmmaking mean to you?
For me, filmmaking is the art of presenting familiar stories and moments in a way that evokes an entirely new and unique experience. It’s about how a filmmaker perceives and interprets these everyday events, transforming them through their creative lens. This reinterpretation is where the magic of filmmaking lies.
The way we manipulate time, altering the rhythm of real-life occurrences, and how we view the ordinary from an extraordinary perspective, creates a distinctive experience for the audience. This unique interpretation is what captivates viewers and gives me a thrill every time.
The stories I tell come from the world around us, drawing inspiration from our shared experiences. As filmmakers, our role is to connect seemingly unrelated events, forging a divine connection that makes the experience heartwarming, soulful, magical, shocking, and intriguing.
It’s this process of linking the disconnected and revealing the profound in the mundane that brings the magic to life and gives me that exhilarating kick every time.
3. What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
To all young filmmakers, my message is to be relentless in your pursuit of making films. Let go of the objective of making money or winning awards. Instead, immerse yourself in watching and creating films. Tell the stories you are passionate about, and understand that your craft will evolve with each project.
This evolution happens when your film reaches an audience. Their response is encouraging, and while awards and accolades provide validation, they should not be your primary goal. If your journey is solely for recognition, you may face disappointment. However, if you find joy and satisfaction in the process of making films, it becomes a gratifying experience like no other.
When you spend months or years working on your story, reinterpreting every situation and action, it becomes a meditative process that refines your imagination. The growth from each experience propels you forward in your next filmmaking expedition.
Don’t be disheartened or afraid if your work doesn’t receive immediate recognition. Every filmmaker will find their audience somewhere in the world. As long as your stories are earnest and you believe in them wholeheartedly, you are ready to put everything behind you and embark on your filmmaking journey with conviction.
Keep making films, and let your passion be your guiding force.
4. What films do you watch again and again?
I am drawn to films that evoke my deepest emotions and thrill me every time I watch them. These films transcend the ordinary, transporting me to different spaces and times. They are the ones I return to repeatedly, the ones that tug at my heart and touch me deeply. These are the films that resonate with my soul, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.
EG. Godfather, Kummatti (Malayalam), Perfect Days, Shoplifters, Spirited Away (Animation), Father and Daughter (Animation), Soot (Animation), Thought of you (Animation), An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.
Thank you Suresh!
You can get tickets for the #2024mwff here: https://filmfreeway.com/MosaicWorldFilmFestival/tickets