5Q's w/ Shiva Ramanathan "The Peculiar Case of the Bolted Canister" Director

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 140 characters?

Sometimes a miracle is needed for the smallest of wishes. Remember that miracles often happen.

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

This a personal project inspired by my father and the primary team includes my mother and sister. We love listening and watching stories together. This time we came together to tell a story for our father with a fantasy twist and a feel good ending, We hope the same for everyone.

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

I have been an engineer, an unemployed dreamer and a software architect. But, what gives me real joy is filmmaking. It's because every story I pursue reveals something wonderful about life that I’ve seen but never noticed.

After graduation from Radio/TV degree in Pennsylvania, I worked as a freelance editor with Cedars Sinai Medical Center and also pursued theater in Golden West community. I toured Southern California as a part of "The Radio Players” theater group. My projects have been an IFP/Panasonic Emerging Narrative winner and recognized in several festivals & competitions including Short Film Corner – Cannes, Nicholl, Austin Film Festival, Cinestory and Project Greenlight 3.

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

There are many ways to plan the production. What was different about this project was the production process. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. Instead of ong shoot we had multiple mini shoots throughout the day with breaks in between as the actors preferred that. That made the experience much more comfortable for the entire team.

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

I hope to share The Peculiar Case Of The Bolted Canister with a wide audience through online platforms including YouTube and Vimeo after its festival run. My immediate dream as a filmmaker is to make my dream feature come true - The Unseen and also drive a web series Blind Man Bounty to screen. I will continue to explore new stories and learn with every adventure.