Faisal Lutchmedial - writer
Faisal Lutchmedial - writer
  • About Faisal Lutchmedial
  • Films
    • Beneath Us
    • Mr. Crab
    • Useless Things
    • My Cultural Divide
culture, diversity, family, My Cultural Divide, Ransom, Useless Things, writing

Being a Rookie TV Writer at 44

Here’s a twitter thread about what it’s been like becoming a television writer in my forties. It’s an emotional moment for other reasons and it makes me really feel the time it’s taken to get here even more.

Story of a 44 year old POC rookie tv writer. The #Ransom ep I co-wrote airs a week before #MothersDay , so I’ll make this a mother themed thread. #screenwriting #diversity @Sienna_Films @eOne_TV @BigLightProds @CBS @GlobalTV 1/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Back in ’95 when I was in college in Montreal I decided that my ultimate career goal was to write tv. #screenwriting #filmmaking 2/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Being a child of immigrants, I didn’t know what my parents would make of my declaration that I was leaving sciences (which I was terrible at) and pursuing the arts. #diversity 3/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

But mom got it – she was a teacher and spent her career putting on elaborate dance and musical productions with her students. Storytelling was in her blood and she passed that on to me. 4/ pic.twitter.com/MbZDdkPRvh

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I am humbled at what both my parents sacrificed to give me choices. Even if that choice was to fall on my face. Which I did. Often. 5/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I wrote lots of scripts, entered lots of contests, made my own films, but I either didn’t know how, didn’t meet the right people, or didn’t have what it took to get noticed. 6/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I entirely gave up on fiction multiple times. But I did carve out a career in documentary as an editor. 7/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

One of my proudest moments was when my mom and dad attended the opening of my feature doc My Cultural Divide at the Montreal World Film Festival. 8/ pic.twitter.com/kRENLjIiC4

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

It was a political film but also about something else – my mother who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Activism and my career were important to me, but family was ultimately more important. 9/ pic.twitter.com/MGoetZfYnU

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

A lot of what I’ve created as an artist has been about inequality, family, and culture. I hope that if I learned anything from mom it was compassion. 10/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I got back to writing fiction in my mid 30s when I made a short called “Useless Things” about a man emptying out his family home and being confronted by the regret he was never able to make his parents proud while they were still around. 11/ pic.twitter.com/sKSFIhjZ2p

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

There were more ups and downs. I won some awards, including the @WGC @bellmedia Diversity Program which put me in the writing room of the @shaftesbury 1-hour The Listener on @CTV. 12/ pic.twitter.com/9Rswree4eh

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

That experience was life changing. Moved to Toronto and the writing room welcomed me with open arms; Showrunner Peter Mohan @Mutanto took me under his wing. 13/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I soaked up as much as I could from watching @hurst_james @Azzzy @bongotummy & Scott Oleszkowicz do their thing in the room. Every day was a gift. 14/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I thought that I had finally found my way in. But after my internship ended I didn’t get so much as an interview anywhere for a few years. Only a handful in six. 15/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

In my early forties I was starting to feel like maybe it was time to give up writing tv for good. I had had it with banging my head against a brick wall. 16/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Then I got a call for an interview! Ransom needed a story coordinator and despite my inexperience showrunner David Vainola decided to give me a shot. 17/ pic.twitter.com/ZhJEbcY7X1

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Working with David, @FrankSpotnitz @SteveCoch77 @sandrachw @writerishguy @TamaraMoulin @josephnkay @rosmuir @NappyThoughtz was a dream come true. 18/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Somehow as the season progressed I was able to convince David to give me a shot co-writing episode 310 with the talented (and patient) @tamaramoulin. I called dad to give him the good news. 19/ pic.twitter.com/gYKtmsPaW5

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

By this time mom wasn’t able to talk on the phone, and dementia was making it hard for her to understand, but dad relayed that her crazy younger son had finally gotten the opportunity he was trying to earn his whole life. 20/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

When I visited during Christmastime I sat by her bed and told her all about my adventures. Mom is the most adventurous person I’ve ever met, so I know she appreciated it. 21/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

For those of you who aren’t aware – Parkinson’s Disease steals people away in a manner I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. 22/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

When I came back this April our family was starting to understand mom didn’t have long. My dad, my brother @LutchMedia, and our families surrounded her with love. 23/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

She wasn’t able to respond but I talked to her, read to her, sung to her, and even got to show her the fine cut of the episode of Ransom I co-wrote. 24/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

It’s an episode where the CriRes team helps a young mum (@laurencoe6) fight to get her kidnapped baby back and prove to the authorities she’s a fit mother. #Ransom 25/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Series stars @luke_j_roberts @MsNazContractor @brandojay @KarenVLeBlanc put on fantastic performances, expertly directed by @sturlagunnarsso 26/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

The social justice story was exactly the kind of thing mom loved. I know she would have told me so, if she could have. 27/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

Then, after about forty years of ferociously battling the incurable disease, my mom left us. 28/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I would give up anything to have her back and to hear her tell her stories again. And for me to be able to tell her mine. 29/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

If I’m given a chance to write something again, I hope to use the lessons she taught me of compassion, humanity, and love. I hope I can pass those lessons on to others. 30/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

You can watch Ransom Saturdays at 8/7c on @CBS or @Global. My ep airs on May 4th at a special time 9/8c. 31/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

And please help cure Parkinson’s Disease by donating to the @MichaelJFoxFoundation that funds a lot of great research. If you want, you can do so in honour of my mom, Suraiya Lutchmedial. Thanks ❤️ 32/

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) April 28, 2019

I mislabeled @MichaelJFoxOrg in my last tweet – so here it is and a link to donate: https://t.co/ArzAEAocbC

— Faisal Lutchmedial (@faisallutch) May 2, 2019

May 2, 2019by admin
film festival, short film, Useless Things, writing

NSI Online Debut of Useless Things

Useless Things makes its internet debut today after a successful festival run. The script, directed by Green Dragon’s Faisal Lutchmedial, won the Writer’s Guild of Canada English Prize at the Festival du Nouveau Cinema Montreal when it was competing in SODEC’s Cours Ecrire Ton Court.  The film is playing in the National Screen Institute’s Online Film Festival (click for link).

Lutchmedial is currently developing the feature “Path of Light”, which follows some of themes explored in his award winning short.

From the director: “Useless Things, my first professional short fiction, follows themes I began with my feature documentary, My Cultural Divide (2006). You could say I am seeking a better sense of place, of where I am as a Canadian and where my family finds its roots. When does our family’s expectations and history fade and become fused with us? What part of their culture do we take when they are gone and all we’ve known is the new world?

Useless Things is not an autobiography. The character Shashin is not me, although physically I inhabit his space. I think in some ways the Hindu subtext is more real, the larger than life gods and demons that I identified with in some way and wrote about.

Throughout the film there are visual references to Rahu, the serpent demon attempting to swallow Soma (the moon), the elixir of eternal life. Shashin finds himself in shadow, as the moon does during the eclipse, and is always trying to move toward the light of both his mother (Savita – or Surya) or his girlfriend Agnis (Agni).

To enrich the film beyond the surface story, my team and I attempted to use these and other metaphors throughout all of our planning of lighting, art design, and shot composition.

Now that I look back after having recently completed my second short film Mr. Crab (2011), I am very proud of the work we did here. Our goal was to create something intimate, dreamlike, and touching, and I think we succeeded.”

Watch the film here:

August 15, 2011by admin
broadcast, film, short film, Useless Things

Useless Things on the CBC

CBC anthology program Canadian Reflections will be broadcasting the award winning (Writers Guild of Canada English script prize Festival du Nouveau Cinema) short drama Useless Things written, directed and starring Faisal Lutchmedial Sunday July 24th, 2011 at midnight. This will be the short film’s broadcast premiere, and it will be playing with a short comedy called King Chicken directed by Nicholas Bolduc.

Useless Things follows the thoughts of Shashin (played by writer / director Faisal Lutchmedial), a second generation immigrant struggling to find his identity following the loss of his parents (Ranjana Jha and Anshu Pathak) . His girlfriend Agnis (Erica Smith) pushes him and asks the hard questions while we follow his thoughts about his chosen path, memories of his family, and dreams of Hindu mythology.   As he goes through boxes Shashin begins to find meaning in the seemingly insignificant odds and ends that fill the cold house that once was his home.  Taking us backward and forward in time to follow his memories, Useless Things is a dreamily crafted journey of forgiveness, enlightenment, and self-discovery.

Useless Things was produced by Peripheria Productions, and supported by SODEC and the NFB FAP program.

Erica Smith and Faisal Lutchmedial in Useless Things

The short was also accepted into the NSI Online Short Film Competition, and will be playing in that series sometime in the next few months. More information on that soon. For now, enjoy the trailer for the film here.

July 18, 2011by admin
film, Path of Light, Useless Things, writing

Writing Partners and the dreaded First Draft

Shashin at Desk

I have been doing a lot of writing lately, trying to get my next projects in full swing before I have finished my last one, which is either a good idea or foolish, I am not sure which.  Regardless, I thought I would share some thoughts about the writing process, and how I go about working on a new script.

I recently saw an interview with Darren Aronofsky (whom I admire greatly) where he said that the first draft of a script should be written in a burst of energy, not taking time to rework anything, and not worrying about it being a piece of garbage.  I tend to agree, however I find it difficult to do so.  I take a little more time on my first draft because it is where I am crafting the story for the first time, although I would be being generous if I was to say that my first drafts are any good.  On the contrary, they are always terrible.

What I have started doing though is giving first drafts to my trusted collaborator and writing partner before even going through it too much myself.  I used to never do this – partially because I didn’t have someone I trusted enough with my raw ideas to give a script to – and mostly because showing someone a first draft can be embarrassing.  It’s like being naked in front of a jury.  A jury that is very critical, and doesn’t hold back about any shortcomings that you may have.

Finding a collaborator like that is like striking gold.  Certainly you can pay for advice and script analysis, but knowing someone who knows you, and what you are probably trying to do, is so much better.  And not to mention free.  But you have to be open to the criticism, and you can’t take it personally.

I think the key to improving at anything is taking criticism well, and knowing where to look for it.  I have gotten loads of criticism from sources I have ignored completely.  And some  that I have taken to heart more than was intended.  Understanding who the person is that is giving the advice is as important as the advice itself, and it is why I treasure good writing partners.

It’s in the second, third, and subsequent drafts where I like to be in any case, it’s where the real shaping and storytelling happens.  It’s where the idea becomes more than a flash in your mind, but a fleshed out fully thought-out story.  It’s where the magic of writing happens: where the tone and pace start to take form.

The script I am writing right now is a feature drama called “Path of Light”.  It’s a story that’s been in my mind for literally years, but once it came out written down on a page, the idea shifted.  I didn’t imagine this story was the one I was going to tell at first, but over time I realized it is the story that I want to tell, and a much more interesting one than I thought of when I had my initial inspiration.  Initial inspiration is beautiful, it’s kind of a full movie told in splendid moments in your mind, one that no one ever gets to see other than you.  Tragic, but dreams are a personal thing, and as similar as it may feel, movie making is not dream making.  That’s the illusion.

I say all of this knowing my professional experience is limited.  I have made a couple of good professional short films, ones that I am proud of.  This would be my leap into long form, and I hope I am ready for it.  When I was much younger I made what amounts to a medium length fiction on video, and consider it a student film since I was just out of school, and had written it then.  I learned quite a bit from the experience, but the main thing I learned was to not go into production if you are not ready.   Not ready because your script is not working, not ready because your idea isn’t fully formed, not ready because your actors aren’t prepared, etc…  Now, as I embark on a true professional fiction feature, I hope I have learned enough lessons to make a film I can be proud of.

And I know it all starts with the script.

September 22, 2010by admin
film, financing, Mr. Crab, Useless Things

Spending Time and Money

I’ve spent a lot of the last month working – not on my film editing, but on the job that pays the bills.  It’s a necessary evil most of us independent filmmakers have to deal with, and I try to keep my consumption level low so my expenses are not too bad from month to month.  That way I can live on a part time income, and spend more hours working on what’s important.

The argument can be made the other way of course.  I could spend a lot more time working a really good job, and save to make my films.  Instead of spending time writing proposals and looking for (mostly) government funding for my work, I could use that time pursuing an alternate career.  The fact of the matter is often I would be getting the same kind of funding either way.  But time to me is more valuable, even leisure time.

I’ve been very fortunate in Quebec for funding.  My Cultural Divide got money for both pre production and post from CALQ, and my first professional short fiction Useless Things was funded by SODEC primarily, and then also the NFB and the CBC (who purchased a broadcast license).  It also got the English award from the Writers Guild of Canada during the Cours écrire ton court! competition.   I consider myself very lucky, and even more so for getting another grant from CALQ for Mr. Crab.  Still, these grants pay for the films, and like any other kind of freelance work, if you don’t have a backup plan you might be setting yourself up for financial disaster.

Often, the backup plan is the credit card.  Certainly the worst idea possible, but I don’t fault people too much because I have been there.  I don’t believe in funding a film with a credit card, but I definitely think they can come in useful in emergencies when no work can be found.   Again, yes, I’ve done it, and when I say it’s a bad thing that can take you down a dark financial path, I speak from experience.  It’s something I vow never to do again.

Well, until the next time I absolutely have to make a movie I don’t have money to make, I guess.

September 7, 2010by admin
acting, animation, cinematography, Dog Sitter, film, Final Cut Pro, Mr. Crab, producing, Red camera, short film, Useless Things

Post Production

Its been a couple of weeks since we finished shooting but we are only getting into the editing now.  Reason is, it took a very long time for my almost five year old computer to transcode the footage from the raw RED files to offline editable files I can work with, as well as converting all the 5D files into prores too.  This has been thus far a learning experience for me, and something I am not used to, since usually I am the tech on shoots and know exactly how everything works – from camera capture through all of post production.  On this shoot, I only learnt how to turn on the RED (I should say boot the camera) halfway through the shoot.

Thankfully, the RED workflow isn’t hugely different on FCP to the P2 workflow that I am very familiar with.  But the process did make me think about how much technical information I have picked up over the years simply because I was making my own films.  This time though I liked not knowing it all on set because if there was a problem other people were there to solve it, rather than me taking up the time I should have been thinking about directing.  On the set of my previous short, Useless Things, we shot on my own HVX200 (along with a Cinevate Brevis 35mm adaptor) and I knew more about how that all worked than anyone on set.  Consequently, when we had more serious technical issues I was pulled away.  That was definitely distracting, especially considering I was acting in the film too…

Dog Sitter

Emmanuelle Francoeur and Bourbon the Bulldog from Dog Sitter (2010)

Speaking of Useless Things, it will be playing at a screening at the Cinema du Parc this Saturday the 21st of August at 1pm.  The screening was set up by Rail City Media to showcase the newly completed Dog Sitter by director Adam Reider, and produced by me.  We’re showing a number of great shorts at the screening, including Eva Cvijanovic’s Play (winner of the 2008 Air Canada enRoute Achievement in Animation award).  Eva also did the animation for Useless Things – and I can’t wait to start showing people her stop motion work in Mr. Crab.  So, back to editing then!

August 17, 2010by admin
Useless Things

Going at this from another angle

Not long ago I had a conversation with a relative who asked me if I had a blog, which I replied to with an emphatic “no, I can’t imagine that many people being interested in anything I had to say.”

Not long after, I started a blog.  I cannot say why, but perhaps after further reflection I realized that if I had been making films and writing for the better part of 15 years, for the sole purpose of communication, why not write online as well?  It’s possibly part that, as well as a sense that the mere fact that I was writing down my thoughts on films and personal activism, the more I felt I was actually moving forward.  So with that, I am hoping to make my presence felt here in this space more frequently, if for nothing else than to push myself along.

My short, “Useless Things” is playing in Toronto in a week.  I’m going to be there, and I am fairly excited about the fact because after years of work and so many drops of sweat and tears, I get to enjoy one of the very few perks being a director: namely be the guest of a festival dedicated to filmmaking.  I was recently reminded of the first film festival I ever got invited to, the New York Underground Film Festival, with a film I made with Paul Kell called Do Not Ruin Your Credit.  I met a lot of filmmakers doing a lot of the same things I was, and got watch a lot of films that still influence me.  It was one of the best memories of my life – my only wish is that these congregations of like minds happened more often.  A teacher once told me about the syndrome of the “lonely artist” – it’s easy to get lost in your own head and burn out when your only major interactions regarding your work happen once every few years.  I suppose the answer is to get more films into film festivals.

April 2, 2010by admin
film festival, short film, Useless Things

Screening times in Toronto

The screening times for the ReelWorld Film Fesitval have been published, and Useless Things will be playing at the Cineplex Canada Square on April 8th at 6pm and April 11th at noon. Tickets are available online through the website: http://www.reelworld.ca/ or by calling the festival: 1-800-595-4849 1-800-595-4849 or visiting the film office at 438 Parliament Street, 2nd floor or going to the cinema. I hope to have a great screening and I’ll be around afterward if anyone wants to ask questions, or go for a drink afterward.

March 20, 2010by admin
film festival, short film, Useless Things

Useless Things at the ReelWorld Film Festival

Useless Things has been selected to be presented at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto. The 10th annual edition of the festival takes place between the 7th and 11th of April and I will be attending. I am very excited about this festival because this will be the first time I will get to see the film with an audience other than our “pre-premiere” screening in Montreal for the cast and crew with guests a while back. I wasn’t able to make it to the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival when it screened there, and then when it played at the Rendez vous cinema quebecois here in Montreal, I was in Trinidad. Ah, irony. More information soon on screening times.

March 19, 2010by admin
film festival, short film, Useless Things

Useless Things at the Rendez-vous cinema quebecois

My most recently completed film, Useless Things, will be screening at the Rendez Vous Cinema Quebecois in Montreal at COURT MÉTRAGE DE FICTION – PROGRAMME PASSAGES – SÉANCE Thursday 18 February, 17h15 Cinémathèque québécoise – Claude-Jutra Cinema. Sadly I will not be able to attend since I am still in Trinidad & Tobago filming a documentary. The film will also be presented at the Reelworld film festival in Toronto sometime in April, details to be announced shortly I am sure.

February 12, 2010by admin
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greendragonproductions

Media production company focusing on diverse and empowering stories. Latest release is "Beneath Us" directed by Faisal Lutchmedial.

Screening at the UK Asian Film Festival soon - May Screening at the UK Asian Film Festival soon - May 10th at 7pm at the Regent Cinema in London, UK. Tickets: https://www.regentstreetcinema.com/movie/short-films---uk-asian-film-festival/
Nova Scotia! Your chance to see The Seas Between U Nova Scotia! Your chance to see The Seas Between Us is almost here. We are very happy to be invited to virtually screen at the @theemerginglenshalifax this year, and they will be posting a screening link that will be available province wide for a limited time. Check back for details on how to watch!
Ruma - Sanjana Morang @kevin_morang 
Preeti - @thatbrownactress Kavita Musty
Anand - @jojoestar12 Joel Joseph
Vas - @sanjivboodhu Sanjiv Boodhu
Latika - @pattianneali_sugarhouse Patti-Anne Ali
Nani - Sumatee ‘Drupati’ Maharaj
Cooking Auntie - @bahadoorlutchmedial Angenie Bahadoor Lutchmedial
Guest at Party -  @mlutchmedial1956 Mishri Lutchmedial
Raj - Dandre Blake
Shami - Vivekanand Singh
Taxi Driver - Andy Jones
Annoying Mother - Kavita Bhaggan
Annoyed Daughter - Aria Bhaggan

Crew

Writer, Director - @faisallutchmedial Faisal Lutchmedial
Producer - @alexismariech Alexis-Marie Chin
Executive Producer - Faisal Lutchmedial
Director of Photography - @olliethemilne Oliver Milne
Production Designer - @lori.antoinette_ Lori Antoinette 
1st Assist Director - @sophiewalcott_from_trinidad Sophie Walcott
Art Director - @just_berv Gervais Aleong
Set Builder - Daren Gittens
Set Dresser - Christian Boodoo
1st Assistant Camera - @the_rye_o Ryan Lee
DIT - @jian_hennings_trinidad Jian Hennings
Key Grip - Nkosi Myers
Gaffer - @dylan_q Dylan Quesnel
Sound Recordist - @jelaniserrette Jelani Serrette
Costume Designer - @safiaaliofficial Safia Ali
Key Hair & Makeup Artist - @royaumerustique Letitia Mike
Production Assistant - @jevonwason Jevon Wason
Transport - Timmy Mora
Casting in assoc. with The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network
Gear Rentals - @affordableimportstt Affordable Imports TT, AKS Rentals 
Catering - Auntie Cathy’s Catering

Post Production

Editor - Faisal Lutchmedial
Sound Designer - @emorymurchison Emory Murchison 
Colourist - Oliver Milne
Music by - @vizavaz Amritha Vaz
Additional Music - Portrait of Trinidad by the Mighty Sniper, 1965
Final Sound Mix recorded at - Formosa
Funding Support: @ontarioartscouncil @torontoartscouncil
Thanks @discoverfilmtt
Canada - You'll be able to watch The Seas Between Canada - You'll be able to watch The Seas Between Us online at the beginning of May! The South Asian Film Festival of Montreal's short film component is online this year and they'll be hosting the film nationally for a little over a week. More details to come. @saffmontreal @saffmtl #shortfilm #caribbeanlife #trinidad 
Ruma - Sanjana Morang @kevin_morang 
Preeti - @thatbrownactress Kavita Musty
Anand - @jojoestar12 Joel Joseph
Vas - @sanjivboodhu Sanjiv Boodhu
Latika - @pattianneali_sugarhouse Patti-Anne Ali
Nani - Sumatee ‘Drupati’ Maharaj
Cooking Auntie - @bahadoorlutchmedial Angenie Bahadoor Lutchmedial
Guest at Party -  @mlutchmedial1956 Mishri Lutchmedial
Raj - Dandre Blake
Shami - Vivekanand Singh
Taxi Driver - Andy Jones
Annoying Mother - Kavita Bhaggan
Annoyed Daughter - Aria Bhaggan

Crew

Writer, Director - @faisallutchmedial Faisal Lutchmedial
Producer - @alexismariech Alexis-Marie Chin
Executive Producer - Faisal Lutchmedial
Director of Photography - @olliethemilne Oliver Milne
Production Designer - @lori.antoinette_ Lori Antoinette 
1st Assist Director - @sophiewalcott_from_trinidad Sophie Walcott
Art Director - @just_berv Gervais Aleong
Set Builder - Daren Gittens
Set Dresser - Christian Boodoo
1st Assistant Camera - @the_rye_o Ryan Lee
DIT - @jian_hennings_trinidad Jian Hennings
Key Grip - Nkosi Myers
Gaffer - @dylan_q Dylan Quesnel
Sound Recordist - @jelaniserrette Jelani Serrette
Costume Designer - @safiaaliofficial Safia Ali
Key Hair & Makeup Artist - @royaumerustique Letitia Mike
Production Assistant - @jevonwason Jevon Wason
Transport - Timmy Mora
Casting in assoc. with The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network
Gear Rentals - @affordableimportstt Affordable Imports TT, AKS Rentals 
Catering - Auntie Cathy’s Catering

Post Production

Editor - Faisal Lutchmedial
Sound Designer - @emorymurchison Emory Murchison 
Colourist - Oliver Milne
Music by - @vizavaz Amritha Vaz
Additional Music - Portrait of Trinidad by the Mighty Sniper, 1965
Final Sound Mix recorded at - Formosa
Funding Support: @ontarioartscouncil @torontoartscouncil
Thanks @discoverfilmtt
We're so happy to share that The Seas Between Us w We're so happy to share that The Seas Between Us will be screening at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (Chicago - Elk Grove Village)! Our previous short Beneath Us played here a few years ago so we're really honoured to be asked to present again. Festival passes are on sale now and individual tickets will be available tomorrow, March 17th. 
Ruma - Sanjana Morang @kevin_morang 
Preeti - @thatbrownactress Kavita Musty
Anand - @jojoestar12 Joel Joseph
Vas - @sanjivboodhu Sanjiv Boodhu
Latika - @pattianneali_sugarhouse Patti-Anne Ali
Nani - Sumatee ‘Drupati’ Maharaj
Cooking Auntie - @bahadoorlutchmedial Angenie Bahadoor Lutchmedial
Guest at Party -  @mlutchmedial1956 Mishri Lutchmedial
Raj - Dandre Blake
Shami - Vivekanand Singh
Taxi Driver - Andy Jones
Annoying Mother - Kavita Bhaggan
Annoyed Daughter - Aria Bhaggan

Crew

Writer, Director - @faisallutchmedial Faisal Lutchmedial
Producer - @alexismariech Alexis-Marie Chin
Executive Producer - Faisal Lutchmedial
Director of Photography - @olliethemilne Oliver Milne
Production Designer - @lori.antoinette_ Lori Antoinette 
1st Assistant Director - @sophiewalcott_from_trinidad Sophie Walcott
Art Director - @just_berv Gervais Aleong
Set Builder - Daren Gittens
Set Dresser - Christian Boodoo
1st Assistant Camera - @the_rye_o Ryan Lee
Digital Imaging Technician - @jian_hennings_trinidad Jian Hennings
Key Grip - Nkosi Myers
Gaffer - @dylan_q Dylan Quesnel
Sound Recordist - @jelaniserrette Jelani Serrette
Costume Designer - @safiaaliofficial Safia Ali
Key Hair and Makeup Artist - @royaumerustique Letitia Mike
Production Assistant - @jevonwason Jevon Wason
Transportation - Timmy Mora
Casting in association with The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network
Gear Rentals - @affordableimportstt Affordable Imports TT, AKS Rentals 
Catering - Auntie Cathy’s Catering

Post Production

Editor - Faisal Lutchmedial
Sound Designer - Emory Murchison @emorymurchison 
Colourist - Oliver Milne
Music by - @vizavaz Amritha Vaz
Additional Music - Portrait of Trinidad by the Mighty Sniper, 1965
Final Sound Mix recorded at - Formosa Funding Support: @ontarioartscouncil @torontoartscouncil
Thrilled to announce that our short film “The Se Thrilled to announce that our short film “The Seas Between Us” will be having its world premiere at the @mspfilmsociety 44th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival! Join us at @themaincinema April 2 - 13 for #MSPIFF44! Details on the screening date and time to come next week. #MSPIFF #MSPIFF44 #MSPFilm #TheMainCinema #MoviesAtTheMain #shortfilm #trinidad

Ruma - Sanjana Morang @kevin_morang 
Preeti - @thatbrownactress Kavita Musty
Anand - @jojoestar12 Joel Joseph
Vas - @sanjivboodhu Sanjiv Boodhu
Latika - @pattianneali_sugarhouse Patti-Anne Ali
Nani - Sumatee ‘Drupati’ Maharaj
Cooking Auntie - @bahadoorlutchmedial Angenie Bahadoor Lutchmedial
Guest at Party -  @mlutchmedial1956 Mishri Lutchmedial
Raj - Dandre Blake
Shami - Vivekanand Singh
Taxi Driver - Andy Jones
Annoying Mother - Kavita Bhaggan
Annoyed Daughter - Aria Bhaggan

Crew

Writer, Director - @faisallutchmedial Faisal Lutchmedial
Producer - @alexismariech Alexis-Marie Chin
Executive Producer - Faisal Lutchmedial
Director of Photography - @olliethemilne Oliver Milne
Production Designer - @lori.antoinette_ Lori Antoinette 
1st Assistant Director - @sophiewalcott_from_trinidad Sophie Walcott
Art Director - @just_berv Gervais Aleong
Set Builder - Daren Gittens
Set Dresser - Christian Boodoo
1st Assistant Camera - @the_rye_o Ryan Lee
DIT - @jian_hennings_trinidad Jian Hennings
Key Grip - Nkosi Myers
Gaffer - @dylan_q Dylan Quesnel
Sound Recordist - @jelaniserrette Jelani Serrette
Costume Designer - @safiaaliofficial Safia Ali
Key Hair and Makeup Artist - @royaumerustique Letitia Mike
Production Assistant - @jevonwason Jevon Wason
Transportation - Timmy Mora
Casting in assoc. with The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network
Gear Rentals - @affordableimportstt Affordable Imports TT, AKS Rentals 
Catering - Auntie Cathy’s Catering

Post

Editor - Faisal Lutchmedial
Sound Designer - @emorymurchison Emory Murchison 
Colourist - Oliver Milne
Music by - @vizavaz Amritha Vaz
Additional Music - Portrait of Trinidad by the Mighty Sniper, 1965
Final Sound Mix recorded at - Formosa
Funding Support: @ontarioartscouncil @torontoartscouncil
Thanks @discoverfilmtt
Excited to present the trailer to our new short fi Excited to present the trailer to our new short film, The Seas Between Us! In the mid 1960s a young girl who has never seen anything but rural Trinidad has her eyes opened to the world when her adventurous Auntie from India comes to visit.
Director Faisal Lutchmedial and producer Alexis-Ma Director Faisal Lutchmedial and producer Alexis-Marie Chin discussing their next project together “Through the Eyes of an Ibis”, a Green Dragon Productions film.
Watch the short film Beneath Us! https://youtu.be/ Watch the short film Beneath Us! https://youtu.be/u9wxdkjRgyc
Watch the online premiere of Beneath Us! An undocu Watch the online premiere of Beneath Us! An undocumented mother and her child hide from ICE when the factory she is working at is raided.

Comment and share 👍🏾❤️
We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Cast

Rosa Pantoja: Renee Martinez
Mira: Anna Rak @anna.rak.artist 
Bosko: Robert Keller @therobkeller 
Richie: Paco Mufote
Carla Pantoja: Cristina Anaya Dominguez
Sam the Storage Attendant: Samuel Manley 
Agent Collins: Thomas Potter @six_two_foxtrot_productions 
Isabel: Patricia Alcay 
Carla’s Father: Sajid Rivera
Writer / Director: Faisal Lutchmedial @faisallutchmedial 
Producer: Marla Arreola
Executive Producers: Sohrab Lutchmedial, Deanna Bartuccio, Tamara Scherbak, Faisal Lutchmedial
Director of Photography: Gabi Kislat
Production Designer: Bernardo Covarrubias
Location Sound & Sound Editor: Emory Murchison
Editor: Tamara Scherbak @miksang 
Art Director: Celina Zonta @celinazonta 
Makeup Artist: Ariel “Tacho” León @makeupbytacho 
Wardrobe Dresser: Andrea Falcón @andreita_domingucci 
Casting Director Tijuana: Adolfo Madera @adolfomaderactor 
Music: Tristan Alantar @tristanalantar
Beneath Us will be having its Canadian premiere at Beneath Us will be having its Canadian premiere at the 10th annual MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL @mosaic_misaff in Mississauga at the Cineplex at Sunday March 26th at 3:30pm. It is part of the Canadian Shorts Program and is being presented with @bipoctvfilm .
Beneath Us was selected as a semi-finalist at the Beneath Us was selected as a semi-finalist at the upcoming Venezia Shorts @ShortsVenezia festival! Congrats to the team for all their hard work. An online event will take place during January 6th to January 9th, 2023, details to come.
#BeneathUs estrena en Tijuana en el @baja_festival #BeneathUs estrena en Tijuana en el @baja_festival 🎞🎥

Sábado 03 de diciembre
Sala Carlos Monsiváis Cineteca Tijuana (Cecut)
Entrada Libre
¡Emocionados de compartirles que #BeneathUs tiene ¡Emocionados de compartirles que #BeneathUs tiene su estreno Tijuanense este sábado 03 de diciembre en Cineteca Tijuana! Durante el marco de @baja_festival BCIFF ⚡️🎥🎞

Sala Carlos Monsiváis 
Entrada Libre

Excited to share our Tijuana Premiere! At BCIFF this Saturday, December 03 at Cecut.
¡Emocionados de compartirles que estrenamos #Bene ¡Emocionados de compartirles que estrenamos #BeneathUs en Baja California, donde filmamos! Como parte de la Selección Oficial en el @baja_festival en diciembre, pronto les compartimos horarios y sedes. 

Excited to share the news that Beneath Us is premiering at Baja California where it was shot, as Official Selection for @baja_festival ! Soon we’ll share details about schedule and venues. 
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#film #filmmaker #shortfilm #cortometraje #cine #producer #filmproducer #filmproduction #cinema #migration #inmigration
Juan Francisco González Aquilar (Paco Mufote) as Juan Francisco González Aquilar (Paco Mufote) as Richie in Beneath Us.
Paco Mufote grabbing a coffee between scenes. Paco Mufote grabbing a coffee between scenes.
Very excited to announce that our short film Benea Very excited to announce that our short film Beneath Us will be having its world premiere in competition at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival in Chicago. More info: https://www.facebook.com/BeneathUsMovie
Behind the scenes: Renée Martinez (playing Rosa t Behind the scenes: Renée Martinez (playing Rosa the desperate mother in Beneath Us) and some extra cast learning some sewing techniques on set. Producer Marla Arreola looking on. Some of our extras worked as garment workers in the past but many had to pick up what they could before the shoot!
Getting ready and planning the raid sequence. Getting ready and planning the raid sequence.
Director @faisallutchmedial using @shotlisterapp w Director @faisallutchmedial using @shotlisterapp while working on Beneath Us. Really useful in keeping track of everything, especially time!
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