Why Ex-Air Force Officer Sheba Ghosh Became A Filmmaker

Sheba Ghosh, an ex-Air Force officer turned filmmaker, is making headlines with her debut directorial venture, Kazi. This psychological thriller stars Shishir Sharma, Sunil Thapa, Heeba Shah, Biswas Timshina, and Rahul Nawach Mukhia. It was recently released on December 18th on the OTT platform Open Theatre.

Sheba Ghosh, in an exclusive interaction with SheThePeople, delved into her transformative journey from an Air Force professional to a filmmaker. The discussion traversed pivotal moments that ignited her passion for filmmaking, her resolute decision-making, and the arduous challenges she confronted along the way.

Ghosh candidly shared the intricacies of her transition, highlighting the struggles of venturing into an entirely unfamiliar terrain of filmmaking without prior experience or guidance. She said, "I've always harboured a passion for writing and acting, but I recognised the practical realities of my situation. Not being a top performer and lacking a high rank in medical exams for a scholarship, I opted for the essential—completing my graduation."

Ghosh's Transformative Path

Joining the Indian Air Force was a deliberate choice, as I believed it offered independence, a stable career, prestige, and adventure. The rigorous training transformed me, equipping me with skills in interpersonal interactions, crisis leadership, and resourcefulness. The birth of my son added a new dimension of strength and self-belief, convincing me that I could overcome any challenge. The Air Force had already provided me with the tools and resilience needed for a transition to filmmaking; my son's arrival reinforced that belief.

Overcoming Obstacles: The Challenges Of A New Filmmaker

The conversation unveiled the hurdles of assembling a professional crew and cast, managing a stringent budget, and the other tussles while pursuing her cinematic ambitions. Ghosh said, "Challenges were plentiful, from securing actors for a newcomer's project to managing a tight schedule and budget, maintaining high morale on set, spending a year on post-production, and tackling the evolving OTT distribution landscape."

She revealed how despite accolades, quality, and a compelling story, she faced continuous rejections in distribution for Kazi, which was disheartening. She said, "Almost losing hope, I realised the need to rally support locally, believe in the film's value, and opt for self-distribution. Teaming up with Open Theatre OTT, founded by fellow independent filmmakers, became the turning point."

The director shared insights into the film’s subject, stating that Kazi primarily delves into mental health themes, exploring isolation, loss, assumptions, existentialism, and self-reflection. Additionally, it tackles aspects like the essence of marriage, a pregnant woman's desires, the impact of racial comments, and the dynamics of a daughter-in-law's relationship.

She added that behind the scenes, she aimed to foster inclusivity by assembling a predominantly female-led crew and involving trans and LGBTQ+ actors and crew members.

Depicting Emotions On Screen: Directorial Perspectives

In discussing how emotions are depicted in films by male and female directors, Ghosh emphasised the unique perspectives each director brings to the screen. Regardless of gender, directors showcase emotions through their individual experiences and sensitivities. In her words, "Both male and female directors have this incredible ability to capture depth and vulnerability, but perhaps their approaches differ. Sometimes you might sense a rawness or a nuanced exploration of emotions from one gender over another, but I believe it's more about the director's personal lens and the stories they want to tell than just gender dictating how emotions are portrayed."

In concluding our conversation, she summarised her vision and aspirations, expressing, "This journey has been a testament to passion and perseverance. I've got more stories brewing, and as KAZI reaches more homes, I aim to bring these tales to life too."

 You can watch Kazi here.