We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gokul Pann a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gokul, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Last year, I wrote and directed my first feature film, “Bury Them With Your Smile.” It’s become the most meaningful project I’ve ever undertaken. The film follows a young Indian immigrant who stumbles upon dangerous secrets while house-sitting for a seemingly ordinary couple.

A few years ago, I made a similar leap of faith, moving from my small hometown of Pudukkottai, South India, to the whirlwind that is New York City. It was a sensory overload – from the shocking price of plain dosas to the subtle stings of microaggressions – a constant reminder of the cultural divide I was navigating.

However, New York’s charm slowly unfolded. I fell for this city of endless possibilities. It gave me a voice and empowered me to become a socially conscious filmmaker. When I began writing my first feature, I knew I wanted to explore the cultural chasm I’d experienced in those initial days – that struggle between the ingrained respect for one’s superiors and the frustration of being taken advantage of. “Bury Them With Your Smile” delves into that fine line between kindness and compliance, making it a deeply personal project for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Gokul Pann, a video editor/filmmaker currently based in New York City. My journey began in Tamil Nadu, India, a region overflowing with folklore and mythology. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the macabre and the art of crafting spine-tingling stories.

Horror films, for me, are more than just jump scares. They hold the power to challenge societal norms, confront our primal fears, and spark meaningful conversations. This belief fuels my creative fire.

My cinematic vision is a unique blend of my cultural roots and the vibrant energy of New York City. This fusion infuses my horror films with a distinct flavor, rich in cultural nuances and a distinctly urban edge.

But filmmaking isn’t my only forte. I’m also a skilled video editor with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of storytelling techniques. This allows me to seamlessly weave together visuals, sound, and narrative to create compelling and impactful stories.

This expertise has led me to collaborate with prestigious clients like Sony Music, TEDx, Rek Films, Pinkshirtgirl and Vocal Network on a diverse range of projects, including promos, music videos, short films, and even narrative features.

Currently, I’m applying my editing mastery to my debut horror feature, “Bury Them With Your Smile.” This film, like many of my works, promises to be a chilling exploration of human nature, wrapped in a unique cultural tapestry.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The power of storytelling to dismantle misconceptions is what excites me most. As a South Asian filmmaker, I see a vast, untapped well of stories waiting to be told – authentic portrayals of our rich cultures that go beyond tired stereotypes.

That’s where the beauty of being an artist comes in. My work allows me to showcase South Asian culture and its people in a genuine, multifaceted light. It’s about offering audiences a fresh perspective, one that celebrates the incredible richness and diversity of our heritage.

My upcoming horror film, “Bury Them With Your Smile,” is a perfect example. It takes the thrilling world of horror and weaves it into the unique cultural tapestry of my background. This isn’t just my story, I believe. There are tons of people out there on a similar journey, and by telling these stories, I can make them feel seen. They can watch the movie and finally say, “Hey, that’s me!” That, ultimately, is the most rewarding part of being an artist – creating a space where people can see themselves reflected on screen.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I always loved making films, but a career in film is extremely frowned upon in my country. People think you can’t lead a successful life as a filmmaker, which is why there are a ton of engineers and doctors from my country.

So, I majored in computer science and thought I’d become a computer science engineer, just like my parents wanted. But my passion for film just kept growing through my college days and once I graduated, I just badly wanted to change my career path.

It took much persuasion, but my parents were finally okay with me pursuing a master’s in film, thereby a career in film. Looking back, that’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Sometimes pivoting is necessary. We can’t be living in fear of what other people might think.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gokulpann.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gokulpann/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filmpadam/

Image Credits

Ananya Lunkad, Jesse Feldberg, Micah Demby