In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, what began as a straightforward investment opportunity evolved into a transformative filmmaking journey for Kurush Mistry. Initially approaching the project as a passive investor in a small-budget film, Mistry found himself increasingly drawn into the intricate world of movie production, especially given his personal connection to the project through his partnership with the film’s writer/director.
The film’s narrative centered on four South-Asian professionals navigating life in New York City, exploring themes of cross-cultural dating, traditional values versus modern thinking, and the subtle presence of urban dowry practices, all set against the backdrop of demanding work-life balance. As Kurush Mistry’s involvement deepened, the project’s scope expanded significantly, transforming from an ultra-low-budget production into a more ambitious venture requiring broader financial support through crowd-sourcing.
The production process presented numerous challenges that tested Mistry’s adaptability. Location issues frequently arose, with borrowed filming spaces sometimes becoming unavailable at the last minute, forcing the crew to occasionally film on streets without proper permits. The team encountered unexpected costs, from overtime payments for actors to last-minute equipment requirements, and even faced a temporary production halt due to SAG union negotiations.
As the project progressed, Kurush Mistry’s role evolved far beyond his initial financial involvement. He became deeply engaged in various aspects of production, from managing budgets to hiring key personnel and negotiating with actors. His creative involvement expanded to include script revisions, where he helped mature the dialogue to better reflect the characters’ age group. One particularly moving moment came when Mistry watched a scene he had co-written being performed and filmed, an experience that brought him to tears.
Despite achieving theatrical distribution across various U.S. venues, the film received mixed critical responses and struggled commercially. Looking back, Kurush Mistry attributes these challenges to insufficient marketing strategy and the absence of recognized stars, suggesting that a more gradual, word-of-mouth release approach might have yielded better results.
Through this experience, Mistry gained valuable insights about the filmmaking process. Coming from a structured academic and corporate background, he identified several key lessons: the importance of hiring experienced producers or assistant directors, the necessity of understanding industry regulations and union rules, the complexities of managing strong personalities, and the inherent tensions between producing and directing roles.
Despite the commercial challenges, Kurush Mistry considers the experience invaluable. It pushed him beyond his comfort zone, requiring quick thinking, flexible decision-making, and effective team management in a less structured environment than he was accustomed to. The project also allowed him to express his creativity in unexpected ways, including co-composing a song for the film.
For others considering a similar venture, Mistry advises setting realistic expectations, appreciating intangible returns, maintaining an open mind, and preparing for an unpredictable journey. His story demonstrates how movie production, while challenging and often frustrating, can also be deeply rewarding and memorable, transforming an initial investment into a comprehensive learning experience in the art of filmmaking.