We recently connected with Jacintha Charles and have shared our conversation below.

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

The most meaningful project to date is the short film I wrote and directed called Madhavi. It is a proof-of-concept film which deals with the aftermath of domestic violence within the South Asian community.

Growing up, I have witnessed domestic violence first hand but never imagined I would end up in my own personal battle one day. When I broke free of that vicious cycle, I knew it was a topic I will need to speak about when the time comes. It took me many years before I tackled it but I also felt that my growth as a writer was important. Then, two years ago, as I was working on a different material, I had a nagging feeling to turn my attention to that subject matter. The timing felt right and I knew I was ready.

I wanted to focus on the resiliency and survivorship of the women. Especially within the South Asian community where we are often taught to hush up and not bring shame by speaking out about the abuse. As if being physically assaulted isn’t traumatizing enough. The insult added to the injury is unimaginable. Yet, there are ones who have courageously broken that barrier and fought for themselves. Many have paid the ultimate price with their lives but many have also given themselves and their children a future. That was the journey I wanted to focus on.

I wanted to show and educate an audience with facts – that most of the time, the path to attaining complete freedom and happiness is fraught with obstacles. There are divorce filings, restraining orders, transitional housing, custody battles, loss of income, loss of security just to name a few. It is especially tough when you are an immigrant and for those with children.

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 started off as an actress in Singapore but pivoted to being a filmmaker living in the U.S.

As a person of color, a female, and part of the minority group in Singapore, I know the kind of stories I can bring to the table with the experiences I had growing up well into adulthood. There is already a certain judgement set against people like myself and for a long time, I had to grapple with how to deal with it. However, with the support and encouragement from family and friends, fellow creatives and like-minded people, I have been encouraged and motivated to stay on my journey.

I was able to acknowledge and dive into my strength as a storyteller and filmmaker. I am proud of myself and the work I have created in the last couple of years. With my last short film, The Gift, that dealt with bullying and now, Madhavi, that deals with domestic violence, these films reached the eyes and ears of individuals have been impacted. Many have reached out to me, wether at film festivals where the films screened or just dropping a note in my email, commenting how much my work has helped them or encouraged them. I found my voice and in turn, I helped them find theirs. This has been beautiful to experience as a filmmaker. It has given me more cause to tackle subject matters that are in dire need of recognition.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The lens of my world’s view is different from others who are not like myself. My experiences in life so far is something I feel I can share with others through my work as a filmmaker because I have things to say. There is genuine interest and an immense appreciation and support I get from people because of my work and this really drives me to work harder and continue to tell stories of us – the underrepresented.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding for me, is when people personally come up to me and trust me enough to share their personal experiences or how my films make them feel seen or heard. For me, to impact even one person, gives me a sense of validation coupled with a sense of humility and gratefulness, knowing what I am doing is right. It makes me feel that all that I have done and continue to do was not and will not be in vain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacinthacharles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madhavifilm/

Image Credits

Miikka Skaffari – Photographer