Marking a significant milestone for Indian-Sri Lankan collaboration in the film industry, director Nidhi Saxena’s Secret of a Mountain Serpent has been selected as one of the four final projects for the prestigious Biennale College Cinema 2023-2024 at the Venice Film Festival. This outstanding project showcases the involvement of renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Vimukthi Jayasundara, who takes on the role of producer for the third time. With a distinguished career that includes acclaimed films that have received international recognition, Jayasundara’s expertise offers invaluable insights and creative vision to Saxena’s cinematic endeavour.
Secret of a Mountain Serpent represents the second collaboration between Saxena and Jayasundara, following her debut feature, Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman. That film, produced in partnership with Nila Madhab Panda and Ajender Chawla, garnered attention at the Busan International Film Festival’s Window on Asian Cinema. Nidhi, who hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan, infuses her unique artistic perspective as a painter and sculptor into her filmmaking, adding depth and richness to her storytelling.
Nidhi Saxena
Vimukthi Jayasundara
In a recent brief conversation with Jayasundara during his transit in Dubai on his way to Venice for this important event, he expressed his excitement about working with Saxena in this new capacity. “This is Nidhi’s second film, and I’m proud to be involved as a producer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share my filmmaking skills and expertise with such a vibrant talent from India,” he said.
Nidhi Saxena
Saxena studied screenwriting at the Film and Television Institute of India, where she refined her storytelling craft. Her insights into personal experiences shape her unique filmmaking perspective, and working closely with Jayasundara to develop the script for Secret of a Mountain Serpent ensures a rich narrative experience. He said that they worked together to develop the script and successfully pitched it at the Biennale College Cinema 2023-24 last October in Venice. “This is the second film I’m producing with her,” Jayasundara said. “Her first film, Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman, was selected at last year’s Busan Film Festival, marking her debut.”
For an up-and-coming filmmaker, collaborating with an experienced and renowned filmmaker like Vimukthi Jayasundara is undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity. As both creatives embark on this exciting journey together, their partnership is poised to craft compelling narratives that truly resonate with audiences. This collaboration beautifully illustrates how merging talents from different cultures within the region can elevate storytelling in cinema, adding layers of richness and vibrancy that keep audiences captivated.
Influence
Jayasundara also acknowledges the profound influence of acclaimed filmmaker Chandran Rutnam on his career path as a producer. “Rutnam is a true inspiration for me,” he said. “His experience and expertise as a film producer has significantly impacted my journey. He has facilitated many renowned filmmakers coming to Sri Lanka, fostering a supportive environment for both local and foreign talent.”
As Jayasundara stepped into his new role as a producer recently, he recognised the importance of learning from established pioneers like Rutnam. His contributions have not only shaped the Sri Lankan film industry but have also laid a foundation for emerging talents to thrive.
In his role as a producer, Jayasundara is committed to nurturing the next wave of filmmakers. He sees this collaboration with Nidhi Saxena as an opportunity not just to produce a film but to foster a creative environment where young talents can learn, grow, and experiment freely. “It’s essential to acknowledge the trailblazers in our industry,” he explains, “because their lessons and experiences can guide us as we forge our own paths. By acquiring their knowledge, we can elevate our work and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape.
I hope that in the future, Rutnam will be able to share his expertise in both line producing and producing, training young and up-and-coming producers in Sri Lanka. This will be a paramount opportunity for the next generation of filmmakers in the country,” Jayasundara added.
The Biennale College Cinema
The Biennale College – Cinema is committed to nurturing creativity and innovation within the global film community and this year’s selection includes four projects from a competitive pool representing diverse countries such as Italy, Kenya, Nigeria, Cambodia, the USA, and India, featuring Secret of a Mountain Serpent (India) directed by Nidhi Saxena and produced by Vimukthi Jayasundara; Agnus Dei (Italy) directed by Massimiliano Camaiti and produced by Giovanna Nicolai; 1 Woman, 1 Bra (Kenya/Nigeria) directed by Vincho Nchogu and produced by Josh Olaoluwa; and Becoming Human (Cambodia/USA) directed by Polen Ly and produced by Daniel Mattes.
The BCC provides each selected project with a grant of €200,000 for the production of micro-budget feature-length films. Following a screenwriting workshop between December 4-7 and a pre-production workshop scheduled for January, the completed films will be showcased at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025.
