Exploring Interwoven Lives and Inner Strength in Melbourne’s Melting Pot.
Heartiest Congratulations Sandeep and your team on receiving a Special Mention in the IFFM 2024 Short Film Competition for your short film ECHO.
What inspired you to create ECHO, and how did you develop the vision for intertwining the lives of these characters in Melbourne?
ECHO was inspired by my passion for storytelling that highlights the often unseen connections between people. Living in Melbourne, I’ve always been captivated by how this city’s diverse cultures and vibrant energy create a backdrop for stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. I wanted to explore how different lives can resonate with one another—like echoes—through their struggles and triumphs. The film presents four unique stories, each reflecting real-life challenges that I believe everyone can connect with.
What message did you aim to convey through ECHO, particularly about inner strength and resilience?
The central message of ECHO is about the inner strength and resilience that lies within all of us. The characters face unexpected challenges that test them profoundly, but it's in these moments that their true strength shines through. I wanted to show that resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles but about finding the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. Ultimately, ECHO is a reminder that we all have the capacity to rise above our struggles and create our own echoes of strength in the world.
What challenges did you face while making ECHO, and how did you overcome them to ensure the film was impactful in just 15 minutes?
One of the biggest challenges was weaving four distinct stories together without losing the impact of any one of them. This required us to make every second count by developing strong characters and conveying their journeys in a concise yet powerful manner. We faced time constraints, which meant making tough decisions about what to include while staying true to the film’s message of inner strength and resilience. Budget limitations also pushed us to be creative with our resources. Connecting emotionally with the audience in such a short time was crucial, so we focused on creating authentic, relatable moments that resonated universally.
How did you work with your cast to bring out the depth and authenticity of each character’s struggle and triumph in ECHO?
Establishing a strong collaborative relationship with the cast was key to capturing the authenticity of each character. We started with in-depth discussions about each character’s backstory, which helped the actors bring a genuine sense of history and emotion to their performances. Rehearsals involved improvisation and experimentation, allowing the actors to explore their characters’ struggles and triumphs freely. We paid close attention to the small details—body language, facial expressions, and pauses between lines—because these subtleties often convey more than words alone.
What do you hope audiences take away from ECHO, and how does the film reflect your broader perspective as a filmmaker?
I hope audiences connect deeply with the characters and their journeys. ECHO is about more than individual stories—it’s about the shared human experience of strength, resilience, and hope. I want viewers to see themselves in these characters and recognize that their own struggles and triumphs are part of a larger, shared journey. This film reflects my commitment to telling stories that explore the intersections of diverse lives and cultures, grounded in real emotions and experiences. I hope ECHO leaves audiences feeling empowered and inspired to embrace their own journeys with resilience and an open heart. 
- G’day India