Inspiration Sunday (Part 2) : Interview with Director Vinay Giridhar on the LGBTQ+ Feature Documentary ‘Emergence: Out of the Shadows’

(Last Updated On: October 18, 2021)

This past Monday we celebrated National Coming Out Day. In celebration, WAEN is highlighting the documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows. The documentary follows Kayden, Jag, and Amar, and their awakening to and them expressing their sexuality within conservative South Asian families was a lonely and terrifying experience. The film asserts a potent and transformative voice in support of marginalized queer youth and their families.    

Here is our interview with the director of the film, Vinay Giridhar.

Vinay, thank you for interviewing with We Are Entertainment News today. Tell us a little about your background. How do you think it has influenced and shaped you as it relates to your career?

I was born and brought up in the beautiful state of Kerala, situated in the southwestern coast of India. I graduated from high school and completed my Bachelor in Animation and Graphic Design in India. I have always been interested in art, music, cinema and could not imagine myself as an engineer or doctor. I watched many cartoons as a child and young adult, so I figured I would choose visual arts as a career. I worked at a cool up-and-coming special effects and design studio in Cochin city in Kerala. Then I decided to come to Canada as a student to pursue a Diploma in Classical Animation at the prestigious Vancouver Film School and I also completed a Certificate in Digital Graphic Design at Vancouver Community College.

You directed the film Emergence: Out of the Shadows, but you have a diverse trade background. Share with us all of what you do and what you love about each.

You are right! Since I have been trained as an animator, a graphic designer, and a video editor, I have always worn multiple hats in my career thus far. I enjoy the variety in terms of work and feel I can change it up if I get bored with one. That way, I always look for new challenges. I primarily work as an art director at a lifestyle magazine, which is a lot of fun. I do everything from designing magazine layouts, advertising, and social media campaigns to editing videos and conducting photoshoots. I recently ventured into documentary filmmaking with ‘Emergence: Out of the Shadows,’ produced by Sher Vancouver. When you take pride in the work you do, you enjoy every minute of it.

What other projects have you been working on?

My animation film, ‘Love’s Age’ was chosen best class film at Vancouver Film School. I received the VFS festival scholarship and Paul Boyd Class Achievement Award for excellence. This short animation film has been showcased in many international film festivals, including NFFTY and Hollyshorts, an Academy Award qualifying festival. You may check out my updated website here.

Vinay, share your role in the film Emergence: Out of the Shadows and how you became involved? Have you worked with/known Alex before this project?

I have worked and volunteered with Alex and his organization Sher Vancouver for almost ten years now. We are also very good friends, so when he asked if I would direct his first feature documentary film, I said yes even though I had no prior experience making a live-action film. I am thankful he gave me this opportunity because, as an immigrant, it is very difficult to get your first break. The project attracted a lot of attention during production. Alex was able to fund the film only by the generous sponsorship from various organizations that saw real value in the work we are attempting through this film. I am also grateful to all the volunteers who gave us valuable feedback and helped make Emergence the film winning many hearts today.

Was there anything you learned or that surprised you when making the film?

While filming, I was surprised how little the conversations related to being gay happen, between the parents and their LGBTQ children, even though they are “accepted.” I also learned that similar to the ‘coming out’ journey of LGBTQ children. The parents also have their journey of acceptance. Both can be equally difficult. I understood that open conversation could be the path to healing. I am also very pleased with the overwhelming response we have received for this film.

What was one moment or something that was said that touched you the most about the film?

Interviewing the subjects was very touching. Kayden’s journey to self-love and acceptance despite the lack of support from his family has to be the most enigmatic part of this film. Every cast member had a unique and remarkable story to share. It makes me emotional to think that the cast opened their hearts for the viewers because they believe this film can save the lives of all those struggling to come to terms with their sexuality or help a parent work to accept and love their LGBTQ children as they are.

What’s the most important takeaway for the audience after seeing Emergence?

The message the audience takes away after watching the film is their own. It is really up to them to decide what they learned from this experience. That being said, personally, for me, the most important takeaway for the audiences is the gentle reminder to continue and live their truth simply. You are not alone; it doesn’t matter if you are gay or straight or any color from the rainbow. Be unafraid and unapologetic about who they are as individuals. End of the day, love is love, and being gay is just another way of loving! And for parents, the message is clear, just embrace your children as they are. Love your LGBTQ children just the same as you did before they came out to you. This is the time when your child needs your love and support more than ever.

Thank you again, Vinay, for interviewing with us today! Everyone, be sure to check out Emergence: Out of the Shadows!

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