JAYA, 50min., USA
Directed by Mike McKay
It is a rare blessing to meet someone filled with such joy, kindness and inspiration that they leave such a mark on you and your life is changed forever.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The story of evolved over a number of years, but really what began the inspiration was Jaya’s spirit and energy. I always found him to be a great personality in the community and one of the opportunity to get to know him and his life better.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The first time we shot in relation to this film was in 2014. While we didn’t work consecutively all of those years the project was always in the back of my mind and it wasn’t until spring of 2022 that I decided to make the full commitment to seeing this through to the end.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Compassion – Kindness

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Honestly, the biggest obstacle has been finding support for the film both in the production and now finding an audience for the film. It is a world that I find difficult to navigate and this was the first time that an audience got to see the film. I’ve had people along the way support the film, but nothing has really gained traction in terms of finding its proper home.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It means a lot to receive that type of feedback, and to know that I was on the right track. Certain comments that were made caught me by surprise because I thought elements would go unnoticed. For example, the third person’s comment about the pacing and the way that the story unfolds. This actually is one of my favourite parts of the film yet this was the first time anybody commented on that.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Filmmaking is my second career and this film is my first feature film. Prior to this I made two short films that gained very good response and helped me with my confidence as a filmmaker and storyteller.

When I think back to my childhood, I’ve always been connected with Films and stories. As I grew up, I think it is just natural part of my being to connect with stories. Filmmaking is my way of expressing the characters and stories I see.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

That’s a good question. I could name a lot of films that I’ve seen many many times and films that I connect to on many levels. Life Is Beautiful is the film that I would say I saw most in the theatre. I always admire comedy and it’s ability to tie story elements together from start to finish, and the way that the story was told mirroring tragedy in the film, I don’t think I’ve had an experience like that with a film before. I saw it six times at the theatre.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

That’s a good question and I believe that festivals really are a way to connect audiences to Films. The otherwise wouldn’t see to achieve engagement and connection in a way that you can’t in in other ways.

For a film like this I would find it interesting if there was a way to connect with new means of finding a way to get this story out and find a home for this project. I’m wide open to ideas.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Great.

10. What is your favorite meal?

daal & rice 🙂

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am working on a film about an indigenous canoe, builder, and his connection with the land as he passes on his knowledge to urban youth. He is a very strong character much like Jaya and a lot of what the themes represent are very timely with indigenous, traditions, connection with the land and climate change.