Meet Sharwin Samant | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharwin Samant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharwin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up in a orthodox society hasn’t been easy. India being a country rich in its culture and Entertainment, it is not considered okay to put your step into the entertainment industry especially for middle class families who have no whatsoever contact with the process of the film industry. Due to this, I had to complete my bachelor’s in computer engineering before I could take a step into realising what I want to do with my life. My father used to pursue photography in his younger days so I always had a camera in my hand since I was a kid. The love of capturing images inherited from him. Once I got a clear understanding of what I can achieve through photography, i got really excited about film as filmmaking is just the next step to photography. The idea of pursuing a career in making films was rather a simple bathroom thought, ‘ If I can see it, I can make it’. There was no stopping after that. My parents have been very private and supportive since the time I decided to pursue a film career which help me take my first step which was to learn the art of filmmaking from an american University in Los Angeles, the heart of the film universe.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am extremely bold and a people’s person. I pove to have people around me and that’s one of the main reason for me to excell to wherever I am today. I am good at networking and wanting to be at places which even have any remote connections to what I want to do. I am really proud of myself to make so many connections with big professionals just because of those skills. It is not easy to do that as I had to always asses and be careful that I don’t cringe out or offend anyone while trying to get my foot into the door. I have failed numerous times but the love of filmmaking has always pushed me to take one other step. One big lesson I have learnt on the way is to be honest to your art and to be respectful of others. Everyone pursues art differently even if it is the same art. The idea of telling a story though film is one of the most difficult art to create and one has to patient and persistent to get their imagination on screen. As said in filmmaking language that every story in the world is made, there are still millions untold. I aspire to bring these stories to life in my own way no matter how cliche it might be. Infact cliche done in a creative way is also a huge challenge while making films which reach the hearts of the audiences. At the end of the day, no matter what genre film I make I always want to be remembered as a person who made good entertaining films. Entertaining the audience who pay money and take valuable time off their busy lives to go to a movie theatre and make every penny worth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I started my film career in Los Angeles and if a friend ever wants me to host a trip in LA the very first thing we would do is hit some amazing clubs in Hollywood. LA has some beautiful nightclubs, soundbars where one can meet amazing people from different walks of life. One place in LA that I have taken every possible friend of mine is the Angel’s Point in Elysian Park. It has the most beautiful view of DTLA and makes you realise how beautiful the city is. One of the other beautiful places I would take them to is the El matador beach in Malibu. The beauty of the beach is unparalleled. With stone structures and beautiful caves on the beach it is my most favorite beach in LA. I would also take them to the world famous Hollywood Sign. Hollywood sign for me is very grounding. It always gives me the enthusiasm to keep continuing and working hard towards my dream and is a view to be seen by every visitor in LA. Apart from the normal tourist locations like Santa Monica and Walk of Fame, one place I would love to take anyone with me is the Universal Studios Hollywood. It is the most beautiful theme parks I’ve ever been to and always brings back everyone’s childhood. To end the trip I would definitely take a small road trip to Las Vegas on Route 66. The bling and the lights of Las Vegas is something to see for everyone in life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most biggest shoutout I could give is to my parents, Sandesh and Sujata Samant for understanding my life goals and my will to pursue a career in film. No one in our family has had anything remotely close to do with films. For me it was a huge step to break the 9-5 tradition in my family and pursue a career in film. My parents have been the pillars and extremely supportive of it since they saw my determination and love towards the art. Whatever I am today and whatever I may achieve in the field of film won’t have been possible without my parents support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swervinsharwin/