E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary

Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle

Chapters
0:34
Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle
0:52
Introducing Filmmaker Subhadra Mahajan, dir. of 'Second Chance' at AFI
1:34
Early Influences and Film Education
6:45
Early Filmmaking Experiences
9:43
Subhadra's Bio / Filmography + Collaborating with Pan Nalin
13:10
Character Development Process
16:57
Subverting Narrative Expectations
20:43
'The Last Film Show' + 'E.T.' + 'Cinema Paradiso' - Child Protagonists
23:23
'Second Chance' Synopsis + Origin
26:26
The Healing Power of Film & Nature
29:11
The Artistic Choice of Black and White - 'La Haine', 'Roma', '8 1/2'
32:57
Casting Non-Actors + Using Auto-Biographical Elements to Create Realism
36:05
Shooting with a Limited Crew + Being a First Time Director + Shooting Chronologically
39:10
Getting Creative with the Shooting Schedule
43:13
'Second Chance' - Post-Production
45:35
World Premiere at Karlovy Vary + The Significance of Film Culture
48:15
Hollywood Premiere at AFI + Cultural Reflections in Film Festivals
49:58
Past Inspiration: 'Fish Tank' by Andrea Arnold + The Iranian New Wave
52:15
Filmmaking Advice: "Open Your Eyes and Look Around, There's Inspiration Everywhere"
Past Present Feature with Marcus Mizelle
E28 • The Healing Power of Film • SUBHADRA MAHAJAN, dir. of ‘Second Chance’ at AFI following Busan + Karlovy Vary
Oct 29, 2024 Season 1 Episode 28 Marcus Mizelle

Mumbai-based director Subhadra Mahajan discusses her debut feature film ‘Second Chance’ which just had its Hollywood premiere at AFI, following a World premiere at Karlovy Vary earlier this year. Past inspirations include her love for the Iranian New Wave and Andrea Arnold’s ‘Fish Tank’.

She speaks on her filmmaking journey, influenced by classic Hollywood films, and reflects on her storytelling process, character development, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the themes of healing, nature, and the unlikely friendships made while making films. 

Subhadra emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional filmmaking rules to foster creativity, the challenges of working with a low budget, and the significance of community in film festivals. 

What Movies Are You Watching?

The Past Present Feature Film Festival returns Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Eastwood Revival in Hollywood, California.

Join us for features, shorts, and convos with filmmakers, including an in-person Q&A with Shih-Ching Tsou following a screening of her acclaimed film Left-Handed Girl.

Festival lineup, schedule, and reservations coming soon.

 https://pastpresentfeature.com/film-festival/

Revival Hub is your guide to specialty screenings in Los Angeles - classics on 35mm, director Q&As, rare restorations, and indie gems you won't find on streaming. We connect moviegoers with over 200 venues across LA, from the major revival houses to the 20-seat microcinemas and more.

Visit revivalhub.com to see what's playing this week. 

This episode is brought to you by BeastGrip. When you're filming on your phone and need something solid, modular, and built for real productions - including 28 Years Later and Left Handed Girl - BeastGrip's rigs, lenses, and accessories are designed to hold up without slowing you down. 

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Support the show

The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 21, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature

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