Despite The Gods

"Despite The Gods" is a gripping 2012 feature-length documentary that provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of film-making, artistry, culture, and resilience, presided by none other than one of the leading voices in contemporary cinema, Jennifer Lynch. This 85-minute-long insight into the heart of Bollywood and the tremulous journey of an American film director in the midst of it stars Madhu Ambat, the award-winning Indian cinematographer, Brad Bryan, an established American producer and editor, and Sunny Charles, the sound designer.

In the director's chair is Australian filmmaker Penny Vozniak who intelligently encapsulates the underlying tensions, trials, and tribulations of filming a movie in the heart of India. Vozniak, who is well-known for her achievements in documentary making, uses her skilled visual story-telling techniques to unravel an unconventional story that leaves the viewer both intrigued and fascinated.

The documentary revolves around Jennifer Lynch, the daughter of acclaimed auteur David Lynch, who boldly ventures into unfamiliar territory to direct "Hisss" – a creature-feature film centered around the Indian myth of the shape-shifting snake woman, in the vibrant Bollywood industry – notorious for its share of difficulties and divergent working styles. Lynch, who directed cult films like "Boxing Helena," navigates through the rich Indian culture, seemingly insurmountable language barriers, 120-degree heat of the bustling Indian city of Kerala, and her role as a single mother - all to bring her artistic vision to life.

The documentary is graced by the presence of cinematographer Madhu Ambat, renowned for his ongoing contribution to Indian cinema. Ambat's magical touch and Brad Bryan's firm handling of the production, accompanied by Sunny Charles's mastery in sound design, signals an experience sure to be nothing short of enticing for movie lovers. This triad forms the nucleus around which the film operates, providing the viewer with the essence of its making from varied perspectives.

"Despite The Gods" brings out Lynch's humor, vulnerability, and almost stubborn determination in the face of extreme challenges. It stands as a testament to the power of will and survival in the unforgiving world of cinema, where artistic integrity often meets commercial interests. Lynch's personal journey serves as the thematic backdrop against which Vozniak presents a candid, at times hilariously chaotic, depiction of Bollywood's other side, far removed from its trademark song-and-dance numbers.

Vozniak documents the professional challenges met head-on by the crew – like scheduling disorder, communication gaps, and severe weather conditions. Still, these are harmonized by the warmth and camaraderie that develop between the Indian and American crew members. Despite the production turmoil, the film underscores the beautiful cultural fusion, the give-and-take relationship between the east and the west, and the common passion for movies that draws people together, providing a rich, textured canvas.

Above all, Vozniak's refined handling of 'behind-the-scenes' storytelling and her knack for finding humor in the face of adversity make it more than just a backstage pass to a movie set. It's a heartwarming and simultaneously heart-wrenching journey of a woman navigating her way through a culture and film industry starkly different from her own while maintaining her individuality.

"Despite The Gods" is more than just a peek into the world of cross-cultural filmmaking; it serves as a striking reflection of the power and universality of cinema that transcends borders, languages, and cultural barriers. It is also a touching personal portrait of Jennifer Lynch – an artist who is unafraid to present her vision to the world, even when the odds are stacked against her. Despite the chaos, misinterpretations, stressful working conditions, and pressure, she keeps her spirit unbroken and her humor intact, showcasing her unyielding passion for her art.

A film about a film, "Despite the Gods," becomes a microcosmic platform to showcase the broader alchemy of filmmaking. It is an absolute must-watch for film enthusiasts, offering a trove of insight into the rigorous process of film production painted against the backdrop of a unique cultural merge – India and the U.S, East and West, Bollywood and Hollywood, art and commercial cinema, visionary and practicality.