5q'S W/Amrita Pradhan "We Were Íslands" Director

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it?

Whimsical and relatable. If you've ever been in love, out of love, or somewhere in between, WE WERE ÍSLANDS is for you.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

It's about a relationship, but it's not a romantic comedy. Life is equal parts light and dark, good and bad, comedy and tragedy, so I wanted to make a film that illustrated that dichotomy on a few different levels.

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

At the age of eight, I got my first camera. By the age of nine, I knew that I wanted to become a writer. But it wasn't until the age of eighteen that my love of capturing images and storytelling intersected, and I felt compelled to study film. I got my Bachelor's from Boston University in 2007. After graduation, I moved to London, where I interned at various production and post-production companies. After receiving my MFA from the International Film School of Paris (EICAR), I was selected for the Reykjaví¬k Talent Lab, where my thesis film was nominated for the Golden Egg prize. WE WERE ÍSLANDS is my first feature film, and I served as writer, director, producer, lead actress, and editor. The film has received numerous awards and nominations from Montana International Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, and the San Diego Film Awards, amongst others. My body of work includes narrative feature, narrative shorts, web series, fashion film, lifestyle videos, music videos, and promos, but I'm developing a few different projects now that explore new creative territory for me.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

In making my film, I learned exactly how not to make a film. Wearing so many different hats made the actual production period pretty hellish for me, but I’m ultimately so glad I did it. In being my own producer, I expanded my skillset and didn’t have to relinquish my creative control to anyone in the process, which was crucial to me. The experience really helped me fully understand what a great producer brings to the table and to the production at large. I’m happy to say that what initially seemed like a monumental challenge ended up being a very valuable and empowering opportunity for growth.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

My film is nearing the end of its festival run, but I'd love to ultimately get it on a streaming platform one day. As for me -- hold up, I'm gonna whip out my crystal ball. I see feature films #2 and #3 materializing concurrently. Exciting projects I've been asked to be a part of. Many cute dog friends. New challenges that bring new growth. Millions of dollars (will accept this in the form of cash, gift cards, and Ed McMahon-style checks, thanks).