We recently connected with Santhosh Ram Mavuri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Santhosh Ram , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I hail from a humble background, where my family has been engaged in the age-old trade of handloom sarees. While I nurtured a deep-seated dream of becoming a filmmaker, I took a daring leap of faith and journeyed to the bustling streets of LA, driven by an insatiable desire to unravel the intricacies of this craft. Yet, even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, my heart whispered the name of my hometown and the people I yearned to help. This whisper gave life to my Thesis Project, a labor of love named “Weave of Culture.” It’s a story that weaves the threads of my own life into the fabric of a narrative – the tale of a software engineering graduate who returns to his roots to resurrect his father’s fading handloom legacy. His mission? To gift a woman her grandmother’s cherished saree, lovingly recreated for her upcoming wedding. As I poured my soul into this project, I discovered that it resonated with the emotional rhythms of my own life. This film is more than just a story; it’s a testament to the power of community, culture, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a journey that I hope will touch the heart of at least one person and, in doing so, inspire a ripple of positive change throughout our society.
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?
Greetings, dear readers. I am Santhosh Ram Mavuri, an Indian filmmaker hailing from the quaint town of Nellore, renowned for its rocket launching station in India. Born into a family of entrepreneurs specializing in the trade of handloom sarees and jewelry, my passion for cinema has been an unwavering flame since my early days. As a fervent cinema enthusiast, I recall skipping classes and exams just to witness the magic of my favorite actors’ films on their opening day – a fervor deeply embedded in the hearts of the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Irrespective of distinctions such as color, caste, or creed, our temples are the movie screens, and our deities are the actors gracing them with their performances. Determined to become an actor and director someday, I embarked on my journey, even though my parents initially harbored reservations. I pursued a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Bangalore, which not only exposed me to Telugu cinema but also kindled my determination to become a filmmaker.
My odyssey led me to Hyderabad, the heart of Telugu cinema, where I crafted my first endeavor. Armed with self-taught knowledge from YouTube tutorials on scripting and storytelling, I wrote a 30-minute thriller. During a semester break, I ventured to Hyderabad with a dream but no connections in the industry. As a young aspirant, my sole purpose was to create a film and share it on YouTube to showcase my talents, in the hopes that someday my call would come.
Fortunately, my cousin’s connections provided a breakthrough. In just 15 days, with a modest crew of four, I brought my vision to life, and the film garnered 350,000 views on YouTube. This served as a tremendous morale booster, affirming that my dream of becoming a filmmaker was within reach, provided I honed my skills.
I then presented my ambition to my parents, conveying my intention to study filmmaking in LA. I arrived in Los Angeles a couple of years ago, where I have directed, written, produced, and edited more than five short films, alongside contributing as an Assistant Director to over 15 other projects. Upon graduating, my thesis project, “Weave of Culture,” received high praise from my professors, culminating in an emotional shout-out during my graduation ceremony. The film is now poised for submission to various festivals, and I hold an optimistic outlook that my team and I will secure accolades.
As a generally fun-loving individual, I am an ardent perfectionist on set. People appreciate my friendly and humble demeanor, which facilitates the smooth execution of work. Primarily, I function as a director and assistant director on set, but I remain open to assuming any role that aligns with my passion when scripts captivate my interest.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
‘Weave of Culture’ emerged as a passionate response to the heart-wrenching reality of weavers facing a crisis that often goes unnoticed – their increasing rates of suicide, and the loss of potential entrepreneurial opportunities within their community. This emotional awakening was ignited by the stark observation that the younger generation often forsakes their heritage, opting instead for corporate careers that perpetuate a disconnect from their roots.
My journey began during a visit to Kanchipuram at the tender age of 18. Accompanied by my cousins, we explored the world of weavers while seeking to purchase sarees. During this visit, one of my cousins, who was both a handloom enthusiast and a dedicated social worker, began interviewing the weavers. Their stories, replete with challenges and struggles, profoundly moved me. This encounter marked a pivotal moment, the catalyst for what would later become “Weave of Culture.” It was my resolute determination to shed light on an issue that might otherwise have been dismissed as inconsequential, but was, in reality, devastating an entire community.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of cinema. A well-crafted film can resonate with an audience and become a force for change. Originally writing the script in English during my school days, I later embarked on a journey to the rural outskirts of Hyderabad to seek authentic settings to breathe life into this story. While I was initially seen as an outsider, the warmth and support of the local community were extended once they understood the sincerity of my intentions.
These wonderful people not only opened their homes as shooting locations but also offered invaluable insights, ensuring that our narrative paid homage to their culture and traditions. Their guidance even went so far as to educate our actors on how to operate the handloom machines. They became not just contributors but essential participants, acted as Background actors and laboring tirelessly to bring this film to life. I am profoundly grateful for their contributions and look forward to the day when I can return to their village in India to screen the film as a gesture of appreciation and to celebrate our collective effort in telling this authentic and deeply meaningful story.
As for my mission to drive creative force, it’s a journey reflects a powerful fusion of personal passion and a commitment to raising awareness of critical societal issues. My mission is not just about making movies but about using them as a vehicle for advocacy and transformation. I love to explore the this art form to tell more stories and learn new things as I go. I belive this is one of those industries which constantly evolves and keep the student nature alive.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As a filmmaker, my foremost responsibility is to captivate and engage the audience, to take them on an emotional rollercoaster that can evoke laughter, tears, surprise, introspection, and analysis. From the inception of a project, through its tumultuous journey to completion, I find myself undergoing a profound personal transformation. It’s a constant battle, an education, and a debate with my own thoughts, ensuring that my mind remains ever curious and open.
Like many in this profession, I cherish the recognition and fame that filmmaking can bestow, but it’s the immense power it wields that commands humility. It’s the power to tell stories that not only entertain but also prompt the audience to contemplate, to reflect on the film long after the credits roll. The most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker is the potential to create a positive impact in the lives of those who watch my work. It’s a feeling that even the grandest accolade, like an Oscar, can’t surpass. It’s about leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds, and that’s a triumph beyond measure.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @srmfilm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santhoshrammohan?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhosh-ram-2a92b5186?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @SanthoshMavuri