Losing My Best Friend
On his niece’s wedding day, a devoted uncle confronts the arrival of his life’s purpose - losing his best friend to a new beginning.
Thanks to our amazing donors we have now completed the shoot and edit for "Losing My Best Friend" and will be updating progress through our social media pages.
[ Our incredible cast and crew! ]
Written & Directed by Ravi Chand
Produced by Ravi Chand, Jeyan Kernot Lee
Director of Photography - Hossein Khondabandehloo
Production Designer - Tejal Gupta
Assistant Production Designer - Jamie Jungyoon Tak, Sydney Reyes
Editor - Ravi Chand
Cast (In order of appearance)
Suresh Mama - Ravi Chand
Devi Sharma - Celina Lazarus
Kamala Prakash - Jazba Singh
Prema Joshi - Kasuni Imbulana
Rani Sharma - Suprabha Soundarajan
Indian Woman 1 - Shanno Kumar
Indian Woman 2 -Sharon Williams
1st AD - Jeyan Kernot Lee
2nd AD - Callum Harrod
1st Assistant Camera - Lila Pedraza
2nd Assistant Camera - Victor Tikhanov
Music Composer - Beven Elankumaran
Sound Designer - Hassan Lahrech
Sound Recordist - Hassan Lahrech, Christopher Curran
Stills Photographer - Tatiana Kooraram, Candice Chen
Cultural Wardrobe - Rukshikaa Elankumaran
Props Master - Raja Elankumaran
Hair & Makeup - Tamsin Davy, Rianna Dean
Hair & Makeup Aid - Stephanie Haber
Bridal Make Up Artist - Prerna Kumar (Roma Makeup)
Henna Artist - Snehal Vagas (Mystic Henna Melbourne)
Gaffer - Francis Healy Wood
Best Person - Shyam Prakash
VFX Artist - Johnson Nguyen
Colourist - Mars Williamson
Sound Mixer - Dale Warren
Music Recorded at BE Music Studio
This film was produced with the assistance of
VCA Film and Television
Faculty of Fine Arts and Music
The University of Melbourne
Supervising Producers - Siobhan Jackson, Stephen Luby
Production Coordinator (Screen) - Katie Bradley
Production Officer (Screen) - Sez Niederer
Post-Production Coordinator - Grayton Hevern
Post-Production Assistant - Madison Murphy
Thank You to
Art House by the Bay (location)
Dhamija Creations (Indian bridal wardrobe)
Andy Zap
Jordan Chand
Melissa Scollo
Surjan & Ami Chand
Australian Cultural Fund
ALL OUR INCREDIBLY GENEROUS DONORS!
This film was made on the unceded countries of the Boonwurrung peoples. The filmmakers would like to acknowledge and thank the traditional owners of these lands, waters and skies upon which they make their art.
The Synopsis
Suresh, a devoted uncle, menacing, covered in tattoos and brimming with affection, has always envisioned placing traditional bangles on his niece, Devi, during her Chura Ceremony - a rite traditionally reserved for maternal uncles. When his step-sister-in-law Kamala asserts that only her husband is suited for this honour, familial tensions flare.
Despite not being blood-related, Suresh and Devi share a profound connection that began the day she was born. Together, they navigated childhood with ancient Mahabharata stories of Savitri & Satyavan, where they playfully challenged gender roles, fostering Devi’s resilience and self-worth. This bond, crafted from respect and dignity, becomes a standard for Devi's expectations in life and love.
As the Chura Ceremony nears, Suresh in a desperate move to shield Devi from Kamala’s interference, unwittingly mirrors the toxic behaviours he once taught Devi to reject. As Devi steps into a new chapter, Suresh confronts his deepest fears - losing Devi not just to a new chapter in her life but losing her trust and friendship forever.
Ancient Mahabharata stories
Actor Casting Call
Important: Please ensure you read all information.
When you send your details, please ensure:
- If you have an acting showreel, send the link do not attach any video files.
- When attaching a photo, keep it under 500kb. Large files will not be accepted.
- All roles are for Melbourne only actors.
- Include your age and height (cms).
We start reviewing applications as soon as they are submitted. Due to the number of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted applicants.
This is a Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne Uni) Masters project. As such all roles are unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 8 July 2024
Character: KAMALA PRAKASH
Age: 40-55
Indian or Sri Lankan, female
Kamala masterfully wields tradition as a veil to assert her husband's dominance in family affairs. Her warm family gestures mask ambitions to subtly marginalise Suresh. Her words, though seemingly devoted to custom, cleverly fortify her own perceived self-worth within the family dynamics.
Acting experience preferred but not necessary. Unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 8 July 2024
Character: DEVI SHARMA (lead)
Age: 22-28
Indian or Sri Lankan, female
Devi, embodies a radiant fusion of tradition and modernity. With a spirited resilience and a quiet humility, she's deeply loved within the family. Devi is intellectually curious and fiercely independent, cultivated through a unique bond with her uncle Suresh, who nurtured her with stories that challenged patriarchal norms.
Acting experience preferred but not necessary. Unpaid.
Character: RANI SHARMA
Age: 45-55
Indian or Sri Lankan, female
Rani, a dynamic Indian woman that embodies strength and warmth. As Devi’s mother and Suresh’s step-sister, she juggles familial tensions. Her presence is both commanding and nurturing.
Acting experience preferred but not necessary. Unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 8 July 2024
Character: AUNTY PREMA
Age: 45-65
Indian or Sri Lankan, female
Aunty Prema has a sharp-tongue matriarch with zero filter. Beneath her stern exterior lies a deep-seated loyalty and protective warmth.
Acting experience preferred but not necessary. Unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 8 July 2024
Character: INDIAN WOMEN X 3 (extras)
Age: 25 - 65
Indian or Sri Lankan, females
Embodying the festive spirit of an Indian wedding. Energetic, expressive faces that reflect a spectrum of generational wisdom and joy.
No acting experience required. Unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 8 July 2024
Application deadline
8 July 2024
Crew Roles
Important: Please ensure you read all information.
When you send your details, please ensure:
- You put in the subject heading "CREW Call & Name of Role".
- Please include your IMDB link if you have one and / or link to your work.
- When attaching a CV, keep it under 200kb. Large files will not be accepted.
- All roles are Melbourne only.
We start reviewing applications as soon as they are submitted. Due to the number of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted applicants.
This is a Victorian College of the Arts (Melbourne Uni) Masters project. As such all roles are unpaid.
Crew Role: Hair & Make Up
Work with support from the Indian & Sri Lankan Communities. Story features Indian bridal wedding hair and make up, tattoos, heena design and general film hair and make up.
Will provide professional photos for portfolio.
Budget for general materials covered.
Heena artist and tattoos decals will be supplied.
Unpaid.
[ APPLY HERE ]
Deadline 26 July 2024