Ahad Abid talks to BizAsia about ‘The Paper Lantern’

Ahad is an independent filmmaker, he places great emphasis on creating new exciting stories that educate and entertain audiences, but most importantly, promote and embrace diversity in film — something that as a filmmaker born in India, raised in Hong Kong and educated in America is extremely important to him. BizAsiaLive.com caught up with Abid on his recent trip to London for the LiftOff Film Festival.

Tell us a bit ‘The Paper Lantern’?
The Paper Lantern is a Noir thriller about Hank Gillian, a burnt out LAPD Detective turned private investigator, who attempts to solve the very case that led to his demise as a police officer.

Where did the concept of ‘The Paper Lantern’ stem from?
The concept came from being a fan of the classic Film Noir’s of the past. Films like Chinatown and The Maltese Falcon are what I used as inspiration for the film. ‘The Paper Lantern’ is basically an homage to those classic tales with my contemporary/modern take on it.

The film was recently showcased in London at the LiftOff Film Festival, what does that mean for an independent filmmaker like yourself?
It means a lot. Obviously from the standpoint of exposure being that it is a well regarded Film Festival for young, up and coming independent filmmakers like myself and others. It was a fantastic experience getting to screen the film to an audience and getting to see their reactions to the film. Not only that but also getting to see some other really great works.

[quote]This was the first time I worked with a bigger crew, so being at the helm of that came with a lot of responsibility but was very exciting.[end_quote]

Are there other film festivals for you to showcase ‘The Paper Lantern’?
Yes, there are a few. We’ve been screened at a couple of festivals this year and hopefully going into the New Year, ‘The Paper Lantern’ will be screened at a few more.

How different was the experience shooting ‘The Paper Lantern’, compared to your previous projects?
I wouldn’t say it was a different experience it was just a bigger experience. This was the first time I worked with a bigger crew, so being at the helm of that came with a lot of responsibility but was very exciting. The cast and crew were fantastic. I can’t speak highly enough about all of them, from day one they bought in 110% energy and effort on set and really embraced the vision for the film. They are a huge part of the success of the film.

With digital technology shooting up in popularity, do you think audiences are a lot more receptive towards new ideas from filmmakers like yourself?
I think so but I’m not sure it’s as much about digital technology shooting up per say. I think audiences have sort of grown numb to the over indulgence with CGI and visual effects. I mean sure when used correctly and not overdone, it looks spectacular but at the end of the day it comes down to having a good story.

[quote]I think especially these days there is so much cross-pollination between genres. Every film is a mixture of at least two or three genres…[end_quote]

How do you come up with ideas for your film projects?
When I think about ideas and stories for my films I always put myself in the position of an audience member. If I were watching this film what would I want to see? I always try to see my films through the eyes of the audience. I ask myself what has the audience seen in the past and how is that going to inform what they expect to see. This helps me create stories that lead the audience in a certain direction, hinting at what is about to happen, and then completely subverting those expectations. It makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Is there a particular genre or theme you would like to delve into as an idea for your future project?
I don’t really have a particular genre that I like more than the rest. I think especially these days there is so much cross-pollination between genres. Every film is a mixture of at least two or three genres; there are rarely just dramas anymore or just action films.

Which filmmakers in Bollywood or Hollywood do you admire?
In terms of Hollywood filmmakers there are so many I could go with. Me personally I love Quentin Tarantino, he has such a specific style and flow to his films. Another director I really like is Shane Black, he does a phenomenal job with his stories that really sucks you into the world he creates. Guy Ritchie is someone who just puts on a show and entertains all the time. In terms of Bollywood, I love the classics so Ashutosh Gowariker, he directed ‘Lagaan’, which to this day is one of my favorite films of all time.

You were born in India and lived in various other countries, has your growing-up also influenced the type of films you make?
Absolutely. I always say you’re a product of your surroundings, so for me the places I have lived and the people I have been around always play a large role in helping me create the stories I create. I remember growing up in Hong Kong I was surrounded by such a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities but what I was seeing in the movies was the complete opposite. When I started making films I wanted to create characters and cast actors in roles that you would not expect them to be cast in. Mainly to promote diversity but also from the standpoint of showcasing new and fresh ideas to the audience. It definitely gives them a more “worldly perspective”.

[quote]I think Bollywood has grown significantly in the last few years and definitely opened up and become more receptive to different types of ideas and stories.[end_quote]

Would you consider making a short-film for just the Indian audiences?
Yes, I think if the story is right I would definitely make a short-film for Indian audiences. Story is key is any film I decide to be a part of. I think Bollywood has grown significantly in the last few years and definitely opened up and become more receptive to different types of ideas and stories.

What about future projects?
I can’t say too much…but I have completed a few film treatments and now it is about polishing them up before I can start writing the scripts. Hopefully start working on the next project sometime in 2017, so stay tuned.

You can get in touch with Ahad Abid using his social media tags below:
Instagram: @ahad852
Facebook: /ahad852
Twitter: @ahad852