We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aby Rao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aby below.
Hi Aby, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
“Home is Distant Shores” is undoubtedly one of my longest-running and most meaningful projects, and it remains ongoing. The initiative has two key components: one related to a film festival and the other, more recent, focuses on experiential events designed to introduce community members to diverse cultures and customs.
My journey into refugee and immigrant storytelling began in 2009 with my first short film, Singhing Bee. Following that, I embraced the challenge of creating a feature film with limited experience, which led to Parallel Parking—a narrative exploring the relationship between a Tibetan refugee and a Dominican-American truck driver. This project truly ignited my passion for telling immigrant stories.
The film festival and experiential events associated with Home is Distant Shores are extensions of this passion. They serve to remind people that, at our core, we are all fundamentally the same, regardless of our country or background.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
At the core of my expertise lies my ability to tell compelling stories. While my work has primarily focused on filmmaking and visual arts, I am open to exploring other forms of expression, such as music and dance.
What I am most proud of is the opportunity to meet and collaborate with exceptional artists and individuals. These collaborations have enriched my work and allowed me to bring diverse perspectives to each project. My strengths are particularly evident behind the scenes, where I excel in coordinating large teams. In filmmaking, this ability is crucial, as it involves bringing together a diverse group of talented individuals to realize a concept or idea.
Successfully executing a project requires passion, persistence, and a pragmatic approach. By working closely with such talented collaborators, I ensure that each project not only comes to life but also reflects the collective creativity and dedication of everyone involved.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, there is a clear mission driving my creative journey: to tell stories that highlight our shared humanity, regardless of cultural or national backgrounds. My work is deeply rooted in the belief that, at our core, we are all fundamentally the same. Whether through film, visual arts, or other forms of expression, I strive to create projects that bridge cultural gaps, foster understanding, and celebrate the diverse experiences of refugees and immigrants.
This mission is not just about storytelling; it’s about bringing people together. Through my work, I aim to create platforms—like film festivals and experiential events—that allow people to connect with and appreciate different cultures. Collaborating with exceptional artists and individuals further fuels this journey, as it enriches my projects with a diversity of perspectives and talents, making the stories we tell even more powerful and impactful.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What has helped me build my reputation within the market is my unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling and my ability to bring together diverse talents to create meaningful projects. My work has consistently focused on narratives that explore the immigrant and refugee experience, resonating deeply with audiences and industry peers alike.
A crucial aspect of my success has been the deliberate effort to expand my network. In this industry, it’s not enough to simply wait for the right connections to come to you; sometimes, you have to go out of your way to meet people who align with your thoughts and interests. By actively seeking out individuals who share my passion for storytelling and who bring unique perspectives to the table, I’ve been able to collaborate with a broad array of talented and like-minded individuals.
Moreover, I make it a priority to connect with genuine people who care about their communities or are focused on adding value to the community through their passion. These are the individuals who elevate the quality of the work we produce together. By surrounding myself with such people, I ensure that the projects we create are not only impactful but also driven by a shared commitment to making a positive difference.
Reputation, in my view, is built through meaningful interactions and consistently delivering work that adds value. Each interaction, whether with collaborators, clients, or the community, is an opportunity to build trust and demonstrate my dedication to the craft. By producing work that reflects this commitment and aligns with my core mission of fostering understanding and connection across cultures, I’ve been able to establish a strong and respected presence in the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://homeisdistantshores.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeisdistantshores/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeIsDistantShores/
Image Credits
Home Is Distant Shores