#Filmstagram: Sujoy talks to us about his "other worldly" films and being a filmmaker of Instagram!

In this interview, Sujoy talks about finding his own voice as a filmmaker, one who tells soul-stirring stories through a cinematic lens and uses Instagram as his creative playground.

If you’ve been one of those few who see Imtiaz Ali’s filmmaking as a kind of genius, like a way of entering a world far, far away that somehow exists within you, then SujoySawant aka @sujoyyyon Instagram offers something very similar through his storytelling. He tells his stories through unique point-of-view perspectives, where eggs talk to reason with you, or everyday music becomes the rhythm that motivates you to step into the unknown. Even his collaboration with brands takes the route of storytelling only to make you feel something, something that already exists within you but you’re missing out on seeing. It’s as if he makes you travel through different worlds, ones that seem beyond you but are, in truth, hiding somewhere within, waiting to help you meet yourself. Then his reels aren’t just little bursts of “gyaan” or motivational tidbits; they feel like miniature films that dare to step into the unknown to reveal something deeply familiar yet invisible.

Everyone has thoughts, but Sujoy has a way of weaving his into cinematic moments that make you think, feel encouraged, and even moved to create something of your own. After all, who says films can only be made on a set? Sometimes a thought and the will to turn it into something magical is enough. Especially in this Instagram generation, when the platform already exists, all you really need to do is just do it. And maybe, just like that, even your overthinking might stop waiting for the “flow state” and learn to leave the old behind to find your own zubaan, to trust and believe so that tum dar ko darana seekho, never settle, and discover that 1% of yourself that can turn into the entire spectrum, just like the messages hidden in these Sujoy’s film titles tell you to! And here’s Sujoy on discovering films, finding himself through filmmaking, his creative process, and the thriving Filmstagram community — the filmmakers of Instagram!

Also Read: #Filmstagram: Joey reflects on crafting cinematic stories from everyday life and her journey as an Instagram filmmaker!

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Check out what he had to say! 

Your bio says “stories from the soul,” and your films often feel like they speak from another world or universe but when did this life of filmmaking first find you?

Since I was a kid I have always found myself making or thinking of stories or concepts that are existential or absurd. I used to make them using the resources I had and post them on YouTube. As far as I can remember, they didn’t come to me from a source of any inspiration. I think they sprouted from my fascination with knowing the unknown. Of questioning existence and life and understanding how the universe works. It then evolved much more from getting into spiritual stuff and philosophy but I always came back to my own thoughts. 

Your work often features unique POVs, inanimate objects revealing truths, and psychological musings - they’ve almost become your signature style. Did that come to you naturally, or was it something you consciously developed over time? How did this distinctive voice take shape?

I usually say this that I never thought that I was thinking deep. For me my thoughts have been just random thoughts. I have always tried to seek more when it comes to story ideas resulting me into a pool of complex concepts. The thing about metaphorically using inanimate objects came from a lack of access to people and resources. It almost became second nature to my thinking. I used to play with toys when I was a kid. I guess that has had an effect on me making most of my reels in my room. 

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Through your stories, you often explore themes of inner conflict and emotional struggle. Would you say your goal as a filmmaker is, in a sense, to heal something like to “cure the world one story at a time”?

I have never really objectively sat down and thought of this but yes I have observed the pattern of my stories. They deal with individuality and the self. The relation we have with ourselves. And so at times I did start believing that maybe the stories that fascinate me the most are actually about us all but individually. Every person goes through a wide range of thoughts, beliefs and situations. I have always been curious about those. As I am very curious about knowing people. About what they think of life and themselves. I don’t have any goal as such apart from trying to express myself through a medium.

There’s also a striking visual design element in your films. Could you walk us through your process from the first spark of an idea to the final cut that makes its way to Instagram, how does that look like?

Over a period of time I have come to realise that now my process of making reels is almost like an artist making music or a painting on a canvas. It can be anything, with no format at all. Just pure expression. My process has evolved - going from writing the narration first, getting the audio with music and sfx done first and then figuring out the visuals to sometimes working on a single visual element. Now I just follow my gut as to how I can communicate an idea, the way I’ve felt it, to people.

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What are your thoughts on the growing Filmstagram community, especially the rise of micro-dramas and short-format storytelling? How do you see Instagram shaping the future of emerging filmmakers?

I think it’s a brilliant change that is coming. I strongly believe Instagram will become the new YouTube in a few years once they crack their monetisation programme. But since the inception of reels, now seeing so many creators and their audience going for a no format style of videos is fresh to consume! People now don’t care about aspect ratio or length of videos or tools used unless the stories and content shared is interesting and genuine! The Filmstagram community overall helps the film community in evolving and getting more audience to the platform and in theatres or screenings. 

Lastly, whose work inspires you? And what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers looking to use Instagram to amplify their own voices and stories?

There are so many people whose work and they themselves inspire me that I can’t really pinpoint any! But genuinely there are so many! My advice to aspiring filmmakers would be to fuck the format if you think so, and just make good stuff and post! Let the world decide. And even if you fail, at least you have etched your imagination in reality! That’s more than most do, including amazing artists!

Have you seen Sujoy’s work before? What are your thoughts on it and on the rise of the Filmstagram community as a space for filmmakers on Instagram? Tell us in the comments below!

For more conversations, follow us on @socialketchup and @socialketchupbinge.