Sajan George
"The Mother Theresa Filmmaker"

A filmmaker.
The founder of the Mother Teresa Children's Foundation.

He cares about the future generation. He tries to console the world, keeps doing it, and builds a good foundation by making a film about children, channeling the voices of many innocents.

The Film Reporter interviewed  Dr. Sajan K. George regarding the film "BEN"

Q: What was your overall role?
Conceived and produced Movie-BEN

Q: Did you always want to be in the film Industry?
I started with Film clubs from my college Days

Q: Tell us how BEN evolved.
Lost childhood of children across the world in the present Millinium is leading to most of the social evils

Q: Did you have any unusual difficulties during filming?
Hundreds of children were selected audition of over 10000 children. Managing children during shooting was a challenge. We had to engage 10 assistant directors

Q: Will winning awards help promote the film? How so?
We hope the visibility of Ben will increase with award.

Q: How much money did it cost?
One Million US Dollar

Q: How did you finance that?
Private Finance

Q: Where were the locations?
Costal bets of Kerala and Hill stations, Schools in Kochi

Q: To what audience is your film suited?
Family, young adults and Children

Q: Any bites yet from distributors?
Nil

Q: What was it like working with various sources? How did you go about choosing who to interview?
Any one capable of spreading message of movie Ben

Q: What has the feedback been so far?
Very encouraging but lot more to achieve

Q: Are you working on any new projects?
Yes a youth movie is under production by name Kranthi

Q: Tell us about your own background.
I am from a reputed Business family.

Where did you study film?
Centre for film and visual arts.

What was your previous job?
I am having own business.

What was your first movie?
Ben.

Are you a full-time filmmaker?
Not yet

Q: what was your first award? And how did you feel at that time?
Ben received two Kerala State Film Awards-Best supporting actress and Best Child artist

Q: What was the best part of the project?
Knowing more about children

Q: What was the most challenging?
Organizing finance and Children

Q: Are you pleased with the overall outcome?
Not yet

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the film?
Reach to different cultures and different countries with Ben

Q: How long did it take to complete the film?
One year

Q: Will you do a sequel?
May dub to other languages

Q: How do you feel to have won awards in Filmmakers World Festival 2016?
Great

Q: What makes you a filmmaker?
Social concerns

Q: Why is this subject important to you?
Increasing intolerance, hatred and violence in the society. I believe we have to address these issues during childhood in every family and community

Q: Does this film send the message you intended?
Yes . It is a wake up call to the society and leaders

Q: Do most people just turn a blind eye when they hear of these issues?
Every one is concerned but fail to address

Q: Why the title 'BEN'?
Just a short name so easy to pronounce

Q: Advice to others who might like to follow in your footsteps?
Focus on and follow your dream in letter and spirit

Q: Is there anything in the past happened to you, that make you make this movie? If, yes, what is this?
I have little traumatic experience as a child

Q: Is this a film that young people, college or high school students could benefit from?
Every one

Q: Do you personally know anyone who inspires the movie?
A child turned to to a psychic patient because of unwanted pressure created by society and family

Q: Has the film won any other awards?
Yes

Q: Anything new to date on the film?
We are selected for Vancouver, Canada festival April8th

Q: Unique stories during the making of the film?
Baby sitting kids in the location by all of us including DOP.

Q: What sacrifices did you make to become a filmmaker?
Losing rhythm of life and managing about 100 crew members

Q: How do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I am not sure

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