Ravi Chand is a screen producer, writer and director. Born in Fiji, of Indian heritage, Chand was raised in Melbourne, Australia. His work explores a personal quest to reconnect with cultural heritage, deconstructing the affects of assimilation and colonialism.
Chand’s production company “Warrior Tribe Films” is committed to honouring the memory of his Grandmother by telling stories that explore decolonisation, identity, belonging and Indigenous knowledge. The company’s name refers to the hundreds of tribes in India and their continued resistance to colonialism; and is a direct challenge to the British Criminal Tribes Act of 1871.
In this Colour Box Studio interview, Chand discusses his grandmother’s influence and legacy, the success of his educational film “Namaste Yoga”, and exciting projects in development.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Ravi Chand. I was born in Fiji and am of Indian heritage. My parents migrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1982. I am a screen producer and writer. I also direct my own personal stories. All my work is anchored in themes of decolonisation, belonging and identity.
How did you start your creative practice and why?
I always had a creative edge. At 4-years-old, I was able to mimic Michael Jackson dancing. Later that progressed into choreographing hip hop routines to perform – which didn’t go down too well with family expectations. So, I became involved in the business as a booking agent for artists and dancers, moving into 20 years of event management, marketing and sponsorship. I created my own company in 2007, which was a marketing agency but always wanted to venture into TV and film. On meeting a casting agent during my intel gathering, they mentioned I’d be great in front of the camera. I then caught the acting bug, did a series of bit parts and got frustrated with the roles being offered which were very stereotypical and sometimes outright racist. I began creating my own work later that year and began upskilling to be a screenwriter and producer. I was also a digital content producer for almost a decade before first coming across the Screen Australia and Film Victoria radar through their Talent Camp in 2017.
Where did you grow up and how has it influenced your practice?
I grew up in Melbourne. Migrating here in the 80’s was very different. Seeing a Person of Colour, (let alone someone who was Indian), was such a rarity. Early on in primary school when I arrived, I couldn’t speak English that well and you could barely understand me because of my strong Fijian-Indian accent. Even though I couldn’t converse, I came home so happy because the boys at school were laughing with me in my class and playground. They even gave me nicknames. My poor mother had to break it to me that those nicknames were racial slurs. I got into a lot of fights because of the racism I received. I assimilated as much as possible because I thought it would help me find a sense of belonging. Then 24 years later, I realised what a mistake I’d made to ostracise my Culture, when I found out my maternal Grandma, who I thought had passed away, was still alive and waiting for me in the same house in Fiji. She reconnected me to the magic of my Culture, Language and Self. You’ll find this colours everything I do through my screen work.
Tell us about your past creative projects. What has been a highlight so far?
Our short film “Namaste Yoga” for ABC ME and iView, is used by parents, teachers, our Community and child psychologists to open up discussions with children about racism and bullying. It’s helping kids with their sense of self-worth, which is quite incredible. It was also selected for the 2023 Maoriland Film Festival and Oscar qualifying 40th Chicago International Children’s and Cleveland International Film Festivals. I also produced and directed a piece for ABC Art Works called “Bharatanatyam” which features the incredible Elankumaran family and has exceed 9100+ likes on the ABC Arts Facebook page. But my most treasured creation is my docu-series in development called “Five Year Grandma”.
Tell us about your current project?
I have several projects I’ve written and am developing – web-series, TV series, feature film, several shorts but the one that I can talk about is my docu-series in development – “Five Year Grandma”. Five Year Grandma is about how after my mother passed away in a car accident a week from my 12th birthday, I completely ostracised my Culture to find a sense of belonging. Only to realise the mistake I’d made when I found out my maternal Grandma was still alive. Five Year Grandma is a love-letter to my son about having to face the inevitability of racism in Australia and how my Grandma’s legacy inspired me to understand the strength of our Culture.
Who or what inspires your practice?
My Grandma. My son and my partner (his mother). My niece. My Elders. My People and our Indigenous Indian / Hindu Culture. For me it’s about creating work so current and future generations don’t have to feel like how I felt growing up.
Where do you feel most creative and why?
At my Grandma’s house in Fiji because that’s where my spirit feels most at home.
What do you hope audiences take from your work?
That our Indigenous Indian / Hindu Culture is far more than what you have ever known. Best compliments were from messages I received from the Five Year Grandma video presentation. I had Grandmas contacting me to say that, whilst they understand it’s not the same thing, they are there for me if I need a Grandma. I have some Indian women (mothers with adult children) I keep in contact with, who I’ve never met but they’ll always message me for my birthday and special occasions.
What’s the best compliment/ worst feedback you’ve received from your work?
Worst feedback I received was that no one would stick around to watch an 8-minute video online. Well, the Five Year Grandma presentation video on Facebook has now exceeded 565,000 views, 6100 likes and 1700 shares.
What gets you through creative challenges or tough industry times?
My son. He’s 7 and doesn’t give the slightest crap about my work. All he wants is hugs, kisses and playfights.
What future projects are you looking forward to?
Five Year Grandma, my new web-series and my new role at SBS, working in the Commissioning team (scripted and unscripted) as Project Officer – Diversity and Inclusion.
Where can we find and follow you online?
www.warriortribefilms.com | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn