Help me create a film!

Hello!

If you have been following me on social media, which you definitely should be, you probably have already heard that I am working on a dance documentary. Ever since joining the Break Dance society at Sheffield Hallam, I have been so keen to create something with dancers.

Something about the way they dance is so visually fascinating to me and I feel that I have developed a style of cinematography where it’s not just a gimbal going in and out but I’m physically ‘there’ dancing with the dancers.

I’ve come to the point where I am in need of more funds to keep the project going. I’ve shot about half of it already and would love to continue the project. However, it’s been getting quite expensive travelling across the UK, buying train tickets for these dancers, food costs and locations.

Please have a look at my Kickstarter and consider sharing and or donating to it if you would like to support me on my journey. Anything will help!

Thank you,

Darshan.

A film combatting the Nationality and Borders Bill

Last weekend I worked on an amazing project directed by Ai Narapol in association with Namsong. The goal was to inform people about the bill and how it will affect immigrants and second-generation immigrants, in this case, the dancer Daniel Phung. I was taken onto the project to shoot the film and colour grade it. Being a second-generation myself, this topic means a lot to me.

We had a very early start, I’m talking 1:30 AM wake up, 2:00 - 5:00 AM car journey to Leeds and then Scarborough Beach. Once at the beach, it was pitch dark. I lost my second black cap (which I had lost on a set before (I’m still triggered)). The shots we got however, were so worth the journey and lost cap.

We used an Aputure 300X equipped with a strong red gell blasting at Dan to create this ominous red glow in the dark. The sand blowing around created an atmospheric effect with the light, which I loved. Once we got the shots we needed we all ran to the car and warmed up. It was freezing.

Things were about to only get colder for me… As the sun rose, we set back out to the beach. Dan and I ventured into the water and boy was it cold, really really cold. Having spent about 10 minutes barefooted in the water, my feet literally went pure numb for the next two hours. I couldn’t even put my socks back on, it was so weird. I slept in the car back to Leeds, woke up and they were still numb! But believe me, I’d do it again and again.

Currently, the film is being edited by Ai and I can’t wait to share the story with you all!

I'm Officially a Graduate!

Well, the time has come. After spending my whole life studying, realizing what makes me tick as a person, my passion. It feels so weird and quite sad to be leaving the student life, more importantly, Sheffield Hallam. I would joke about hating university when times were tough, but I take it all back. Sheffield Hallam University has made me who I am today, from start to finish.

When joining Sheffield Hallam, I was an extremely introverted person. I was very insecure about my height and appearance. Fitting in was something I worried very about a lot. I remember in the first year, I didn’t even go out on freshers week, I’d lock myself away in my dorm and avoid going into the kitchen if I heard people.

Moving on three years, I’m on stage delivering the vote of thanks speech in front of hundreds, possibly thousands of people at my graduation. I never ever expected myself to be in that position. However, throughout my time at university, I knew I had to keep pushing. One of my biggest moments was forcing myself to ask the talented filmmaker and good friend; Brett Chapman (known as brettinthecity) to meet up. I adore his work and love the fact that he has a unique style that just screams wholesome. Having worked alongside Brett, helped me realise that I can get work in film. From that day I kept going, being as proactive as I can.

I think it would be really dumb not to mention my two best friends. I met Jess/VHS girl in the first year and we just clicked. Fast forward three years and we’re in Brewdog. I was so set on working by myself and I remember Jess wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Then she told me an idea she had. At that moment I just dropped my idea and said: “I’m working on this”. It’s actually mad how much effort we put into this one film. It was such an ambitious project, sourcing Filipino actresses, finding a variety of locations, fundraising over £800 and shooting alongside a pandemic. We are actually built different.

And Ai. We met at a Hallam freelancer job which I find very fitting. Now we’re working together under our established company; Yellow Pocket for big clients such as Hallam. I like how we are able to really just be ourselves and our clients can accept us for us.

I find it crazy, graduating I’ve managed to DOP a handful of short films, work with clients like Amazon, assist on large film sets, run my own company with Ai, make a fantastic handful of talented friends, shoot on stage with singer song-writer; EDEN, my absolute idol and progress as a human.

Thank you everyone,

I love you x.

Darshan.