Pune-based Ashok M. Salvi is a filmmaker who is acquiring a (Maharashtra) statewide reputation as friend, philosopher and guide of the stressed out students’ community. A 30-minute documentary Antim Saans (‘last breath’) that he has scripted and directed, exhorting youth to persevere, has not only been screened in more than 30 schools and colleges, but is all set to be uploaded on the portal www.archeesthefilm. com before the new academic year commences.
Newspeg. “Saddened and angered” by media reports of deeply stressed students commit-ting suicide, Salvi has put his filmmaking skills to good use, culminating in Antim Saans. The film features five narratives, each depicting the triumph of hope over despair. In one account, a dispirited youth aborts a suicide plan after he witnesses a cockroach struggling to remain alive. In another short, a distracted student discovers the need to complete his novel before taking the extreme step. But in another story a student ends his life after misreading the ‘HIV negative’ status on an HIV/AIDS test report. “This particular story is based on a real-life incident,” says Salvi.
Direct speech. “The film sends out a strong message to youth that challenges are part of life, and there’s no need to end the gift of life because some of them seem insurm-ountable,” says Salvi.
History. Ahmednagar-born Salvi had to fight hard to acquire a basic education due to his family’s economic constraints, and fended for himself by working as a gym instructor for eight years. After completing class XII, Salvi enroled for a six-month course in videography at Pune’s landmark Film and Television Institute of India. “I always wanted to be a filmmaker with the purpose of using the film medium to bring change in our society,” he says. After acquiring a BA in English literature from Pune University in 2007, he became a full-time filmmaker.
Future plans. Encouraged by the success and critical acclaim of Antim Saans, Salvi is now working on completing a full-length feature film on AIDS. With the script ready, the film titled Archees will highlight the mental and emotional trauma and metamorphosis of an HIV/AIDS patient who is ostracised by friends and family. “It took seven years to finish scripting the film. I hope it moves all those who watch it to realise that their trials and tribulations are small in comparison with those afflicted with this dread disease. Hopefully Archees will inspire people to confront challenges and fight back. I believe the film medium can spread positive messages best,” says Salvi.
Right on!
Huned Contractor (Pune)