Episode 3: Nardeep Khurmi
I talk with writer/director/actor Nardeep Khurmi about his film LAND OF GOLD and his commitment to diverse storytelling.
I don't think anybody wants to hear me chuckling the entire podcast but excuse me for coming close. Although the subject matter of his films are often serious, there are moments in regards to the dialogue and writing in LAND OF GOLD that make you realize...this is a man coming at storytelling in a way you haven't seen before.
And we give props to the AT&T Untold Stories Program in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival. I'm not necessarily a fan of hyping corporate brands, but if you want to give a million bucks to indie filmmakers to make their visions come true, I'll say your name as many times as you want, AT&T.
Submissions are open until February 6, 2024.
In this episode, we talk about:
his unique start into filmmaking, combining comedy and filmmaking as a way to fit in;
how his love for travel allows him to tell diverse stories;
how LAND OF GOLD was written as a response to the heavily politized US immigration policy;
the story behind winning the 2021 AT&T Untold Stories Grand Prize;
how he actively fights against including stereotypes into his art;
the importance of Untold Stories in the film ecosystem; he calls it "the best program out of all";
the danger of separating categories in film festival and other programs specifically by diversity;
what he wishes he knew before applying for Untold Stories;
what's next for this exciting, unique...have to say it, funny as hell filmmaker;
Nardeep's Indie Film Highlights: The Untold Stories' films (NIGERIAN PRINCE; LUCKY GRANDMA; MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE; LAND OF GOLD; SMOKING TIGERS)
STARRING JERRY AS HIMSELF, directed by Law Chen
OUR FATHER, THE DEVIL, directed by Ellie Foumbi
Links:
AT&T Untold Stories: An Inclusive Film Program in Collaboration with Tribeca
LAND OF GOLD (in 4k)
Nardeep Khurmi's Website
Nardeep Khurmi's Instagram
The cover art depicts a generative AI image based on a description of the film or career highlights. (Yes, season two is cats.)
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