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How I made it:Life In Metaphors (2015)

Updated: Aug 28, 2020


Life in Metaphors is a journey into the world of master filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli with

an urge to understand the language, grammar and the very purpose of storytelling

through the medium of cinema.


A still from the film

84 mins | English/Kannada | Socio-Political | 2015 | India


In its persistent mission and zeal to promote good cinema, the Indian Film Institute brings you the experience of Director & Producer of the film - OP Srivastva.


Why this subject matter for your film?


The film came out of my association with the great filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. This film is a by-product of my process of learning cinema. I had no idea that after 3 years of rubbing shoulders with Girish Ji, I would get the material to make a film like this. It just happened.


Girish Kasaravalli is an internationally renowned Indian filmmaker, who has made highly acclaimed films like Ghatashraddha, Thai Saheba, Dweepa,Tabarana Kathe and Gulabi Talkies etc.

Where did you find this story for this film?


'Life in Metaphors: A Portrait of Girish Kasaravalli ' is an exploration in the cinematic world of great filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. I have followed it up with a book which is titled ' Life in Metaphors, Portraits of Girish Kasaravalli.' The book is available on Amazon and the film is available on Cinemapreneur.


What were the challenges you faced in making the film?


Hardly any, thanks to my mentor Girish Kasaravalli, who was always there to help me in so many ways. He is my inspiration, mentor, teacher, and guide in my journey as a filmmaker.


63rd National Film Awards

Did you face any problems in releasing the film?


Lots! Independent filmmakers like us don't have the resources to take the film to the theatres. I tried with various OTT platforms, but they don't seem to have a slot for documentary films. Even Prasar Bharti, which generally screens all National Award-winning films has not yet screened it.


Finally, an OTT platform Cinemapreneur released the film. Cinemapreneur is an OTT platform focussing on Indie films, which I think is a welcome initiative for strengthening the support eco-system for Indie films in India.



What was your background before making your first film?


I have started making films in my second innings only. Before this, I worked for over 30 years as an investment banker.



How do you think filmmakers like you can overcome common challenges like finance and distribution?


I am still searching for an answer to this question. So far I have burnt my money only. I look at these investments as my capital towards the business model for independent filmmaking in India, which I am trying to build up.




Find the film here - Cinemapreneur



How to reach OP Srivastava





How to Feature your film


If you have made an independent feature film, or a short film, which has won awards at the International Film Festivals, or a film of Social importance, and would like to tell the world how you made it, Indian Film Institute is helping independent filmmakers reach the right audience, and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. Drop an email to kunal@indianfilminstitute.org for more information.


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