Arun Oommen’s twenty year wait has finally seen the results. For the past two decades, the film buff has been chasing the idea of competing in the UK’s Straight 8 Film Festival. Arun Oommen’s 56 APO has made a film without any post production like editing and grading and has been selected among 25 films from all over the world. This is the first time in the last 40 years that a Malayalam film has made it to the final 25 of the Straight 8 Film Festival.
Anoop Oommen has been working as a professional cinematographer for 20 years. Anoop’s favorite format is Super 8. 56 APO is written by Anoop himself, directed and cinematography. ‘It is a very tough festival. There is no editing and all post production is done by the festival authorities. Filming should be completed on one film roll. If any artist makes a mistake, the shoot has to start from scratch. It is very difficult to shoot a movie in this way. The film was sent across all these barriers. That’s why I haven’t even seen the final out. Only one shot of it has been seen’ – Anoop Oommen told Twentyfour.
Anoop says that shooting the film without retakes was a big challenge. That is why Anoop insisted that all those who worked behind the scenes should have an idea about the film. From the actors to the light boys, there was a clear understanding of the filming. Just before the take, different rehearsals were conducted for the crew and the artists. If you make a mistake once, you have to put on a new role and shoot again. Therefore, the shooting was completed in a total of two days by rehearsing before each take. Filming was also successfully completed in a single role.
After writing the story of the film, Ashiq Abu was in my mind. ‘Aashiq Abu also had the same height and body as my character. Maithili also came to my mind in the same way’- said Arun Oommen.
The premiere of the film will be held at London’s BFI theater on October 22. The film will be released online in November.
The Little Riddle is a Malayalam film directed by Anoop Oommen. Little Riddle was also India’s Oscar entry last year. Anup’s upcoming movie is Bharat in Hindi.
Story Highlights: ’56 APO’ Getting international Attention