Director's cut: Jasmeet K Reen on seeking authenticity through her stories

Story telling is a quest for authenticity, feels Jasmeet K Reen. “The reason one wants to tell out-of-the-box stories when starting out is to get noticed,” the film-maker reflects. “But fundamentally, as an artiste, you need to connect with your viewer, and I am always searching for the ‘truth’.” This search for authenticity permeates every aspect of Reen’s creative process, akin to losing oneself in the haunting melody of a shehnai or the profound beauty of poetry—moments where time stops, and emotions stir.

Reen’s pursuit is rooted in connecting with viewers through narratives that resonate with emotions. “I write my scripts first as a writer, and then rewrite them from a director’s perspective,” explains Reen who made her directorial debut with Darlings (2022). “But in that process, I am always searching for authenticity.” Whether scouting locations or capturing spontaneous moments on set, Reen’s keen eye for ‘truth’ allows her to recognise and enhance the nuances that breathe life into her stories. “Whether telling a story with a message or experimenting with form, my goal is to make films with which people can connect,” Reen emphasises. But she also deftly employs her skill of balancing the commercial aspects of film-making without compromising artistic integrity. “For me, movies are about exploring the human condition and bridging fiction and reality. Making characters relatable is key to making a film accessible, regardless of its scale,” she asserts.

The evolving landscape of cinema, particularly with the advent of online streaming and advancements in VFX and computer graphics, excites Reen. “There’s now more appetite for regional and world cinema,” she observes. “I am eager to explore how VFX can open new avenues in storytelling.” During the filming of Darlings, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Reen embraced these tools to transform her vision into reality, leveraging green screens to create immersive environments seen through the characters’ windows.

Despite her achievements, Reen holds herself to a rigorous standard.“I am very hard on myself,” she admits. “When things don’t go as planned, I reflect on how I could have done better. But some things are beyond our control; all I can do is stay true to my voice and give my best.” This relentless pursuit of excellence drives Reen forward, shaping her into a director known for her dedication to authenticity and emotional resonance in storytelling. Reen’s journey exemplifies a filmmaker whose passion for ‘truth’ and connection defines her cinematic voice.

All images: Amitava Saha

This article originally appeared in the Harper's Bazaar print June-July 2024 Issue. 

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