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
0:31
Past Present Feature, Hosted by Marcus Mizelle
0:49
Introducing Filmmaker Subhadra Mahajan, dir. of 'Second Chance' at AFI
1:31
Early Influences and Film Education
6:42
Early Filmmaking Experiences
9:40
Subhadra's Bio / Filmography + Collaborating with Pan Nalin
13:07
Character Development Process
16:54
Subverting Narrative Expectations
19:55
'The Last Film Show' + 'E.T.' + 'Cinema Paradiso' - Child Protagonists
22:35
'Second Chance' Synopsis + Origin
25:38
The Healing Power of Film & Nature
28:23
The Artistic Choice of Black and White - 'La Haine', 'Roma', '8 1/2'
32:09
Casting Non-Actors + Using Auto-Biographical Elements to Create Realism
35:17
Shooting with a Limited Crew + Being a First Time Director + Shooting Chronologically
38:22
Getting Creative with the Shooting Schedule
42:25
'Second Chance' - Post-Production
44:47
World Premiere at Karlovy Vary + The Significance of Film Culture
47:27
Hollywood Premiere at AFI + Cultural Reflections in Film Festivals
49:10
Past Inspiration: 'Fish Tank' by Andrea Arnold + The Iranian New Wave
51:27
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?

Introducing the Past Present Feature Film Festival, a new showcase celebrating cinematic storytelling across time. From bold proof of concept shorts to stand out new films lighting up the circuit, to overlooked features that deserve another look. 

Sponsored by the Past Present Feature podcast and Leica Camera. Submit now at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature


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. 

Support the show


Listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more, as well as at www.pastpresentfeature.com. Like, subscribe, and follow us on our socials @pastpresentfeature

The Past Present Feature Film Festival - Nov. 20-22, 2026 in Hollywood, CA - Submit at filmfreeway.com/PastPresentFeature