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Drew Forster Talks Going Indie With His New Short: The Hermit

For InFocus Film School Film Production graduate Drew Forster, going the indie route felt like a perfect move. He embraced the freedom to tell his stories, his way. Not long after graduating from the program he co-directed and starred in Negligence, it’s Child and His First Shot at Mortality, a film about a teenager’s personal campaign against contraceptives and the effect it has on his sister, best friend and Christian girlfriend. Following up from his 2024 short, Foster is stepping back into the Producer’s chair and acting spotlight with his new film The Hermit.

 

The Hermit is a reflection of lived experience, a creative exhale after emotional hardship, and a call for audiences to choose compassion over judgment. Structured in three powerful vignettes and made in collaboration with fellow InFocus Film School alumni, as well as siblings Leopold and Isadora Vieytes, The Hermit is a deeply personal piece of independent cinema that highlights the strength of artistic community and the bold spirit of DIY filmmaking.

 

Drew worked as a Producer and Actor in the film. In this interview, Drew opens up about the story behind the film, the importance of InFocus connections, and why going indie has been the most rewarding path.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adN6KAoBqII

 

The Hermit is a deeply emotional film exploring themes of isolation, addiction, and societal disconnection. What inspired you to tell this particular story at this moment in your lives?

 

It was about one year prior to filming The Hermit this past February that I witnessed siblings Leopoldo and Isadora Vieytes, my best friends, roommates and everyday co-creators go through the events of the film. Afterwards, we started pouring this into a script, something that not only healed that hardship, but moreover, reminded us why we do what we do; film, and hence The Hermit.  We were burning to do it, emotionally it felt necessary to tell the story now rather than later.

 

The film is structured in three vignettes. What was your intention behind this format, and how does it help us understand Miguel’s character?

Although the film is edited to a linear beginning, middle and end, we wrote and shot the project in a way that allows for the viewer to watch any of the three parts in any order for the purpose of being able to interpret their own beginning, middle and end for the main character Miguel and his personal struggle.

 

You describe The Hermit as leaving viewers to “choose judgement or compassion.” What conversations are you hoping to spark with audiences?

 

We’re inviting audiences to follow someone they might not adore, or who they might feel sorry for. That’s the fun part, it will depend on the audience member. What do you resort to upon instinct: judgment or compassion?

 

BTS of The Hermit

 

You mentioned that The Hermit wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of fellow InFocus alumni. How did these collaborations come about?

 

The film of course wouldn’t have been possible without every single person involved in the project, but yes, as for the InFocus alumni on board, I cannot stress their importance enough. They’re all incredibly talented, down to earth, hard-working and best of all, very fun to work with.

 

We worked with Emma Campbell (1st AD) on a previous set and were immediately drawn to her work ethic, so we told her about the project and the rest is history. She ran the set with such efficiency, is very driven and is a incredibly talented filmmaker herself.

 

We also worked with Meghan Robinson (Sound Mixer) on a previous set. We told her about the project, saved her contact, etc. She is one of a kind, super knowledgeable about sound in every aspect, very passionate about her work, and, always the first one to set and the last one to leave.

 

Vadim Venedyukhin (Editor, Colourist) is the go-to. Him and I have been in contact since I was at InFocus. He’s won a few awards, is seriously creative, and is fluent in every software. We were very lucky to have him on board. Isa, one of the directors, said the colouring Vadim did on the film was verbatim to what she had in mind from the very beginning.

 

KaronhÍ:io Delaronde (Day 1 of 3 Unit Stills Photographer/BTS Videographer) is a current student, and is the nicest person you’ll ever meet. KaronhÍ:io is a current student we met at the InFocus Holiday Industry Party. Always offering to help, eager to create in every regard, even stepping into another role when we needed someone to fill in. KaronhÍ:io also has great stories to tell, and is already putting out very impressive projects at InFocus.

 

InFocus Film School graduate Emma Campbell

 

Since graduating, you have taken more of a DIY indie route, which we love. How did your experience at InFocus Film School prepare you for the realities of independent filmmaking?

 

It feels amazing to be the creator of our own realities, the ones in charge of achieving our desires. And I think most alumni take this approach, which yes, is really special. Every project is built purely on passion, and everyone brings their own unique touch on the project.  And that’s exactly what I got from InFocus; the opportunity to learn about every department. Even if I wasn’t as focused on for example, lighting, as I was with producing, when I graduated and began making films I was well equipped to understand other aspects of filmmaking, and therefore am always getting better at co-creating with other filmmakers. We all help each other, it’s really cool.

 

What would you say to current students about the importance of building strong relationships with their peers while in film school?

 

Connections and contacts are everything, of course. The people I created with at InFocus were the same people I created with after graduating. Enjoy every second too, that may feel challenging in some moments, but there is something about learning everything about film for the first time that I wish I was more present for. It’s such a cool thing, so let it flow and learn everything you can. And, rather than worrying about making every project perfect, I suppose my advice would be to enjoy making any mistakes you make, you’ll learn a lot more from them.

 

The film deals with emotional isolation, a theme many young people and artists relate to. How do you personally find connection and community as emerging filmmakers?

 

We’ve all got something special to share and hearing that from anyone, let alone another artist (especially in the form of a story), is just as special to hear as it is to speak it, make it, and watch it. Collaborating and creating with everyone off-set is just as awesome as the on-set fun.

 

What’s next for The Hermit? Are you submitting to festivals, or planning to make it publicly available?

 

“The Hermit” is on its way to festivals. We just last week submitted to 30+ festivals across Canada, as well as internationally. So, we’re really excited about this, and for the cast/crew that made it possible.

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Chenneth Weeraratne Catches Fire at Sundar Prize Film Festival

Chenneth Weeratnee

chenneth weeraratne sundar film prize

InFocus Film School Film Production graduate Chenneth Weeraratne’s passion for film has propelled him into an exciting and successful career, where he has already made significant strides in the industry. One of his most notable achievements is ‘Female and Furious,’ a coming-of-age comedy drama about Rager Rip, “a heated skater who must come to terms with her anger issues in order to join the infamous Storm’s skate gang.” The film has been officially selected as part of the Sundar Prize Film Festival, set to screen in Surrey, BC, on April 11.

“I was drawn to this project when I was approached by Ritisha Jhamb, one of my fellow producers who got me onto it,” Chenneth shares. “Women working in film is something of great importance. A story like this, backed by a predominantly women-led producer team, speaks volumes! Therefore, I was more than happy to provide my support for a project that was both fun and, nevertheless, important!”

Clip of 'Female and Furious'

Clip of ‘Female and Furious’

Catching Fire in the Indie Film Scene

Beyond ‘Female and Furious’ being screened at Sundar Prize Film Festival, Chenneth co-founded Bonfire Productions alongside Jaida Sanada, Ryan Kwan, and Jonathan Liu.

“After spending many long nights and shoots together in the past year, a thought came to me that maybe we should set a foundation in film that we would have some control over as creatives,” he explains. “Alongside this, my friends and I had been on a camping trip recently. It was when we had spent the night together around a campfire that we came up with ‘Bonfire.’ The meaning behind it lies in our friendship and the passion, empathy, and hard work that we put into all of our projects.”

While ‘Female and Furious’ isn’t a Bonfire project, the company has already produced films like ‘Tucker’s Puppets’ and is currently working on ‘Jinsei No Toki’ and ‘Panorama.’

The Impact of InFocus Film School

Reflecting on his time at InFocus, Chenneth recalls starting as a complete beginner, unsure of the intricacies of filmmaking.

“I had grown up perpetually interested in film and not knowing how it worked. I was a complete beginner when I started my year at the school. However, upon completion of my diploma, I left with so much valuable experience and practice that even years later I have been able to apply with much success! Whether it be knowing how to run a set or deal with issues that arise, I have much of those skills to thank InFocus for!”

One of the greatest lessons Chenneth took from InFocus was the importance of empathy in filmmaking.

“You can be great at something technical or know how to do something the ‘correct’ way, but if you don’t treat people with understanding and the willingness to learn, you’ll soon find out why filmmaking requires a team effort. They don’t say ‘it takes a village’ for nothing!”

Moving Forward with Confidence

Today, Chenneth continues to thrive, taking on leadership roles within the filmmaking community, including serving as VP of Productions for UBC’s IndieVision film collective. “IndieVision acts as a platform for people to connect in film and learn about new opportunities, access workshops, panels, and other film events. It has allowed people such as myself to find projects to take on and be a part of a welcoming and thriving film community!”

His advice to aspiring filmmakers? “Believe in what it is you want. I spent many years doubting myself within a film context until I was able to surround myself with people that uplifted me. However, at the end of the day, it took me recognizing that I was responsible for what I achieved that brought me to where I am today!”

 

InFocus Film School alumnus Shanthini Balasubramanian’s film Velvet Secrets is also screening as part of Sundar Prize Film Festival!

Read more about our Film Production Program.

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Enrique Martinez Piña: How Film School in Canada Helped Launch His Career in Mexico

Enrique Isaac Martinez Piña" How Film School in Canada Launched His Career in Mexico

 

When Enrique Martinez Piña decided to study at InFocus Film School in Canada, he opened the door to new opportunities in Mexico’s competitive film and television industry. By completing both the Writing for Film and Television Program and the Visual Effects Compositing Program, Enrique gained a unique combination of skills that set him apart as a producer, writer, and post-production expert.

Building a Strong Foundation at a Film School in Canada

InFocus Film School provided Enrique with the tools to grow both creatively and technically. He highlights how the programs helped him merge Canadian and Mexican production methods. “At InFocus, I learned to blend both styles, particularly in screenwriting,” Enrique explains.

Beyond writing, the Visual Effects Compositing Program gave Enrique an edge in postproduction—an essential skill in modern filmmaking. “The VFX course opened doors for new job opportunities here in Mexico,” he adds.

Enrique on set in Mexico!

A Diverse Career in Mexico’s Film and TV Industry

After returning from Canada, Enrique quickly made a name for himself in Mexico’s entertainment industry. Currently, he works as a producer at ADN 40, one of Mexico’s top television channels. He has produced produced cultural programs, political interviews, and documentaries. His portfolio includes the long-running show La Otra Aventura, which focuses on literature and has been on air for 14 years, as well as Políticos en Línea, which covers political interviews, and Tiempo de Cannabis, a show exploring cannabis-related topics. Beyond television, Enrique has contributed to documentaries such as Andar del Peregrino and Ucrania: Destrucción y Resistencia, showcasing his range as both a producer and storyteller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI3dGCGebOM

 

How Studying Film in Canada Created New Opportunities

In Mexico’s production industry, professionals often take on multiple roles, from writing and directing to producing. Enrique’s education at InFocus Film School gave him a competitive advantage. “Having knowledge of screenwriting, VFX, and postproduction allows me to communicate effectively with specialized teams,” Enrique shares.

Studying at a film school in Canada also helped En0rique stand out. “In Mexico, studying abroad gives you credibility. People assume you’ve learned world-class production methods, like those used in major international films and TV series.”

For aspiring filmmakers considering a film school in Canada, Enrique offers this advice: “Enjoy your time in class. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people from different cultures, learn how they see the world, and let their perspectives inspire your creativity.”

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Shanthini Balasubramanian Wins Best First-Time Director at MAMM for Velvet Secrets

Emerging Tamil-Canadian filmmaker Shanthini Balasubramanian has captivated audiences with her heartfelt and innovative storytelling, earning her the prestigious Best First-Time Director award at the 19th Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon, hosted by the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF). Her short film, Velvet Secrets, stood out among fierce competition, offering a fresh perspective on familial relationships and cultural identity.

Velvet Secrets: A Tale of Discovery and Connection

Shot from Velvet Dreams

At its core, Velvet Secrets is an exploration of identity, empathy, and self-discovery. The film follows Asha, a traditional Tamil mother, who stumbles upon a revealing red velvet dress in her daughter’s room. Her curiosity propels her into a journey of self-exploration, flipping the conventional narrative of generational conflict.

Balasubramanian intentionally shifts the focus to Asha, portraying her as a mother reconnecting with her femininity while stepping into her daughter’s world. This nuanced perspective gives voice to mothers, a demographic often overlooked in cinema. Velvet Secrets also balances its emotional depth with light-hearted moments, earning its designation as a “dramedy.”

“Asha was inspired by my own mother,” Balasubramanian shared. “I wrote this film during a period when I spent more time at home, which allowed me to reflect on our relationship and cultural nuances.”

The casting process was equally personal and challenging. Chandni Appadurai, who portrays Asha, delivered a performance brimming with authenticity and emotional resonance. Her real-life daughter, Anjali Appadurai, plays Deepthi, adding a layer of genuine connection to the on-screen mother-daughter bond. Supporting characters include a chorus of gossiping aunties, reflecting societal pressures with humor and poignancy.

What truly sets Velvet Secrets apart is its linguistic and cultural authenticity. The film is entirely in Tamil, a deliberate choice by Balasubramanian to celebrate her heritage.

“Making a Tamil-language film was a dream come true,” she explained. “It’s a story for South Asian women to see themselves represented on screen.”

Shanthini Balasubramanian accepting her award at Vancouver Asian Film Festival

InFocus Film School: The Foundation of Creativity

Balasubramanian attributes much of her creative growth and filmmaking success to her experience at InFocus Film School. From the moment she walked through its doors, she felt supported and encouraged. The school’s hands-on approach provided her with a comprehensive understanding of all crew roles, an essential skill set for a director navigating the indie film scene.

“InFocus doesn’t rely on high-tech equipment, and that’s actually a blessing,” Balasubramanian noted. “It taught me to be resourceful and resilient, which prepared me to create films even with minimal resources.”

Key lessons from InFocus included learning to lead while respecting the expertise of others. One piece of advice from an instructor stayed with her.

“Yes, you are the director, but you are just the director.” This collaborative mindset proved vital during the production of Velvet Secrets, allowing her to bring out the best in her team.

Balasubramanian also credits her instructors, particularly mentor David Michan, for their invaluable guidance.

“Having instructors who are active in the industry made all the difference. They brought real-world insights into the classroom.”

InFocus Film School Film Program

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others

The journey to creating Velvet Secrets was not without obstacles. From securing funding to managing cultural sensitivities, Balasubramanian faced numerous challenges as a young filmmaker. However, her determination and passion saw her through. Winning Best New Director at VAFF is a testament to her talent and dedication.

Balasubramanian now hopes to inspire other filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her advice for aspiring creators?

“Pitch your projects everywhere and don’t let rejection discourage you. Stay clear about your vision, and above all, keep the drama on screen—not on set.”

A Bright Future Ahead

At just 19 years old, Shanthini Balasubramanian is poised to be a trailblazer in the Canadian and international film industries. With Velvet Secrets, she has already demonstrated her ability to craft deeply personal yet universally resonant stories. Her commitment to celebrating her Tamil heritage and championing diverse voices marks her as a filmmaker to watch.

Through her journey, Balasubramanian exemplifies the creative potential nurtured at InFocus Film School, solidifying its reputation as a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers. As she continues to explore new narratives, one thing is certain: Shanthini Balasubramanian is just getting started.

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Anuruddha Jayasinghe Directs Liberating Debut Feature ‘Dhara’ in Sri Lanka

 

 

InFocus Film School Film Production Program graduate Anuruddha Jayasinghe recently completed his debut feature film, Dhara, a story of strength and resilience set in Sri Lanka. After graduating, Jayasinghe returned to his homeland to bring his vision to life. He collaborated with InFocus Cinematography Instructor Chris Joys, who joined as Director of Photography, to help shape the film’s visual storytelling.

About the Film Dhara

Jayasinghe describes Dhara as a profound story of liberation that resonates on both personal and universal levels.

“It’s about defining liberation through individual and collective actions,” he explains, rooted in his memories of the 1987-1989 insurgency in Sri Lanka, a time when conflict touched nearly every aspect of life. His own journey through periods of social unrest, marked by oppression and marginalization, deeply influences the story.

The film unearths two distinct paths to freedom: the revolutionary and the spiritual. “Revolutionary liberation seeks to overthrow oppressive systems, challenging the status quo and envisioning a society free from corruption and injustice,” he explains. “Spiritual liberation aims for enlightenment, transcending suffering and cycles of rebirth.”

This duality is the foundation of Dhara, blending these outer struggles for justice and societal reform with an inner search for personal peace and understanding. The two paths, though distinct, weave together in the narrative, illustrating how liberation can be both an act of defiance and a journey toward inner harmony. In Dhara, the characters must navigate between these worlds, each choice bringing them closer to their own understanding of freedom.

InFocus Film School Film Program

Click here to learn more about InFocus Film School’s Film Production Program!

 

Learning at InFocus Film School

Jayasinghe credits InFocus Film School with preparing him for Dhara’s production. He highlights lead Film Production Instructor David Michan for teaching him essentials skills in creating shot lists and schematics.  This training streamlined his planning and kept the production efficient. Working with cinematography mentor Chris Joys also brought invaluable insights. Joys, whose family roots are in Kerala, India, had a deep understanding of South Asian culture, enriching their creative process.

“Chris’s expertise helped us craft a cohesive vision,” Jayasinghe says. Together, they developed a mood board to harmonize the visual storytelling.

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Jayasinghe encourages future filmmakers to look beyond technical skills.

“Cultivate compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of literature, global politics, and human behavior,” he says, believing these qualities will bring depth to storytelling and help filmmakers connect with audiences around the world.

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Aharon Jinjihashvili Celebrates High Octane Cinema with CRANK Film Festival

CRANK International Action Film Festival founder Aharon Jinjihashvili is bringing new HITS to the big screen.

 

As the CRANK International Action Film Festival gears up for another electrifying year, we spoke with its founder, InFocus Film School Film Production Program alumnus Aharon Jinjihashvili, about the event’s origins, challenges, and future. Jinjihashvili’s passion for action films is clear, rooted in a childhood of smuggled video cassettes and a dream to give the action genre the recognition it deserves.

“I grew up on a steady diet of action films,” Jinjihashvili, who also served as a Director on the TV series Pink Is In recalls. “In the Soviet Union, we didn’t have access to US films because of the Cold War. We smuggled in video cassettes and binge-watched them like secret agents on a mission. ‘Bloodsport,’ ‘Terminator,’ ‘Rocky,’ ‘Predator’—these movies were my childhood superheroes. They made me fall in love with the spectacle of cinema.”

These clandestine viewing sessions did more than entertain; they ignited a lifelong passion. “There’s something so gloriously simple about action films. From a filmmaking perspective, they’re one of the hardest genres to master,” he explains. This keen interest is what inspired him to start the Crank International Action Film Festival.

Though Jinjihashvili doesn’t have an extensive background in making action films, his enthusiasm is infectious. “My action filmmaking experience is more like an enthusiastic fanboy with a camera,” he says with a chuckle. “But that’s what makes this action film festival so exciting for me. I’m coming at it as a superfan.”

 

https://youtu.be/jrKpJGAzLU8?si=V_jRhOelQj8eP6N-

 

This perspective helps Jinjihashvili connect deeply with aspiring filmmakers. “I’m honored to meet the next generation of action filmmakers and give them a stage to show off their skills,” he says. While he has some action film projects in the pipeline, his current focus is on nurturing and showcasing new talent through CRANK International Action Film Festival.

For Jinjihashvili, a successful action film relies on two critical elements: vision and teamwork. “As a director, the most important thing is vision. The second most important thing is having a team that can turn that vision into a knockout reality,” he asserts. Key to this process is a skilled stunt coordinator and action designer who can elevate a director’s ideas to spectacular heights.

One of the most heartwarming discoveries has been the camaraderie within the stunt and action community. “They’re like a family of adrenaline junkies who support each other through thick and thin,” Jinjihashvili shares. This sense of community and mutual support has been a cornerstone of the festival’s success and growth.

Jinjihashvili’s vision for CRANK is ambitious and clear. “To become THE place to celebrate action films. To remind people that movies are supposed to be fun, roller-coaster rides of entertainment,” he declares. He envisions CRANK as the premier platform for showcasing the immense talent of action performers and creators, particularly those in Canada.

In closing, Jinjihashvili offers a heartfelt invitation to action film enthusiasts everywhere. “Just come out, have fun, enjoy the kicks, punches, and on-screen mayhem, and support the action community. Bring on the mayhem.”