UNFREEDOM is an urgent contemporary thriller about a society torn apart by political, religious, and sexual turmoil. Shifting between New York and New Delhi, the film juxtaposes two powerful and unflinching stories about religious fundamentalism and intolerance, one of which follows a Muslim terrorist attempting to silence a liberal Muslim scholar, while the other is about a young woman who defies her devout father and escapes an arranged marriage because she is secretly embroiled in a taboo lesbian romance.
Click through for my interview with Unfreedom Director/Producer/Co-Writer Raj Amit Kumar.
Interview with Unfreedom Director/Producer/Co-Writer Raj Amit Kumar –
Amit started our conversation by explaining the concept behind his gripping and bold film.
I asked Amit about how debilitating it was to have the Indian government change it's ruling, on homosexuality being a criminal offense, during the filming process.
Amit discussed the way in which Art is both an outlet and the main element lost when hatred takes over.
We talked about Amit working with award winning DP Hari Nair.
DP Hari Nair with Director Amit Kumar
There are some amazing flashbacks in the film and I asked Amit about shooting those specific sequences.
Amit was able to cast an incredible ensemble.
L to R: Bhanu-Uday-Adil-Hussain-Woman-Bhavani-Lee-Victor-Banerjee-and-Preeti-Gupta.
DP Hari Nair with Preeti Gupta and Bhavani Lee.
I asked Amit about the unique dynamic of parents and children and how the film speaks to the generational gap.
Amit explained the poem that inspired the story and why he chose to rename the film, Unfreedom.
Lastly, Amit made a final plea to all those that will listen. People are being raped and killed because of their beliefs, views, and sexuality. He explains why we need to stand up now.
For more information on this bold film click, here.
