Director's Profile:
After obtaining a Bachelors and Masters degree in Philosophy with a minor in film and theatre from Kiev (Ukraine), Daria moved to India to teach screen writing and film appreciation at 'Whistling Woods International' (India's premier private film school). While exploring the country she came across many underlying societal idiosyncrasies which were fascinating when looked at from an objective point of view. Her first few films would be deeply rooted in India but would have a wide international reach, as they have been told with more of a European sensibility.
Her first narrative feature called " Teen Aur Aadha " is being co-produced and presented by noted Indian filmmaker Mr.Anurag Kashyap, and it follows the story of one house which 50 years ago was a school, 20 years later turns into a brothel and in the present day it plays home to a 75 year old couple. Interestingly the entire film was filmed in three long shots. It's just about to start doing rounds on the festival circuit and is slated for an Indian theatrical release in early 2018. She is also on the last leg of post production for her second feature titled "Namdeo Bhau".
FilmographyProducer : Anurag Kashyap
Language: Hindi / Gujarati / Marathi / English
Duration: 121 Mins
Status: In process of festival submissions.
Note: "Teen Aur Aadha" has been approached with a unique non-traditional perspective on storytelling, as the entire feature (121 mins) has been filmed in three long shots of 43 mins each (only three cuts in the film), however its the depth and magic of the narrative which really is fascinating.The story of one house in three different eras. Where 50 years ago it was divided between a school and an apartment, in which a young boy struggles with the pressures of pre- pubescent school life, coupled with being compelled to share a tiny room with his paralysed, disconsolate grandfather. Who in turn has devious plans for the child's 12th birthday which happens to fall on a leap year. The same building 20 years later becomes home to a brothel, where a young unexploited concubine is dealing with her self-proclaimed "first" client who has a strange inability to fulfil his physical desire unless obligated to the duress of a transaction to do so. Now, 30 years later these same walls surround a sublime home which belongs to a soul-stirring 75 year old couple who love, laugh and dance together. They whisper the secrets of time forgone and seemed to have overcome the undying need for love and escape which seems to have plagued the inhabitants of this house in the past.
Film: Namdeo Bhau (Brother Namdeo)
Language: Hindi, Marathi
Duration: 95 mins (approx.)
Status: Post Production
Mood Reel (which just explores the tone and atmosphere of the film, without any attention to the story)
Note: The film follows a journey of a 65 year old 'Maharashtrian' chauffeur from the obstreperous backdrop of Mumbai city life to the serene calmness of the Himalayas, in search for an almost magical 'Silent Valley' which boasts of a naturally occurring phenomena having almost zero decibel sound levels. On this journey Namdeo Bhau (the driver) chances upon an exasperating 12-year old boy, who happens to be on his own solo expedition to the mystical "Red Castle". The boy is unaware of the violence committed onto his parents by their family members for marrying outside of their cast. He finds an unassuming travel companion in Namdeo Bhau, who gets deemed as his "Knight of Silence". The film explores various themes and sub-plots which can help create a picture of the societal setting in India, and how in the most modern times, sections of Indian society still remain to be backward, almost barbaric in thought.