Filmmaker Geeta Malik on Representation: ‘Being Seen Can Be a Double-Edged Sword’ (Guest Column)
30.05.2022 - 19:29
/ variety.com
Geeta Malik In “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” Francie Nolan sat on her fire escape, ate peppermint wafers, spied on her neighbors, and read books. In Aurora, I sat on my roof, ate pretzels, spied on my neighbors, and read “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” I felt seen by Francie Nolan and it surprised me when people were surprised by the fact that I related to her. At a certain point, I understood that people assumed I’d have more in common with the slum kids in “City of Joy” than Francie.
No matter what came out of my mouth, my skin had already spoken for me.I grew up with films, books, art and music from all over the world and felt kinship with so many people who didn’t necessarily share my heritage. But I became a filmmaker because I wanted to be a part of the movement I saw starting with films like “American Desi,” “Better Luck Tomorrow” and “Girlfight.” Those movies were revelatory for a diasporic kid like me, because I finally felt like culture that I recognized was integral, stitched into these universal stories, not ignored or exploited in order to appeal to the widest audience. And I’ve always felt seen by the brown women filmmakers that form my personal holy trinity: Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta and Gurinder Chadha.
But being seen can be a double-edged sword. I feel like I’m always walking that tightrope between celebrating my culture and resisting people who try to make it the most interesting thing about me. When I was first trying to make movies, people pushed back on the idea of an Indian American lead.
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