By Victoria Stone-Meadows
An award-winning Casey-based filmmaking crew is hoping to open more opportunities for people interested in film in the South East.
Dhoom Films took home two awards at the 2017 Nice International Filmmaker Festival for their original production titled, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
The film focuses on the lives of six young LGBTIQ people and their stories in coming out and finding acceptance with their peers.
The film’s producer and one of the drivers behind Dhoom Films Saahil Luthra said it was an honour to travel to Europe for the award ceremony.
“We got there, and we were selected for screenings and received for nominations for best supporting actress, best director, best film and best editing,” he said.
“We ended up winning awards for Best Director and Best Supporting Actress for Laura Rigon.”
Mr Luthra said the crew couldn’t believe it when they were announced as winners.
“We were just blank at first, and it took a minute to sink in that we won; I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“I told our director Rhiannon Williams she was the reason we won, and she deserved it, but she was speechless.”
Dhoom Films has been making films in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs for about eight years with studios and offices previously in Hampton Park and Cranbourne with the office now in Narre Warren.
All the time given by producers, writers, directors and actors is all voluntary, and people are brought together for the love of filmmaking.
Mr Luthra said he wanted to be able to use Dhoom Films to allow people in the community a chance to get their ideas off the ground.
“With me as a producer, I want people who want to make films to come to me and I want to help them and promote local talent,” he said.
“There is not much opportunity in Australia for small filmmakers, and I want to have a big studio where I can get people involved and work on films as a team.”
“I want to be able to work with people rather than for them or them for me; we have won these awards, and we are confident enough to make this happen.”
Mr Luthra said he was really happy to be working with the people he was currently engaged with, and hoped he could continue to make films with local passionate people.
“I am really proud of my team; Rhiannon gave me the script, and we worked together; all the actors devoted their time, and it was such a big project,” he said.
“We are working on a few scripts, and want to do an international film; something youth based, and with more local actors involved.”
