Hot seat: Mitra Sen

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Mitra Sen is the director of children's movie The Peace Tree, which was recently screened at the Dubai International Film Festival. She talks to Matt Ross about the film and the wider Peace Tree message.

How did you enjoy DIFF?

DIFF is fabulous. The Peace Tree is considered a short film, but the amount of exposure and the importance it's been given is phenomenal. This is an issue that the world really needs to be made aware of. So the fact that they're giving it that kind of importance is really appreciated.

How has it been received in the UAE?

I've been told that there is a lot of subtle racism here and a lot of the communities aren't interacting with each other. This is why people are saying that it's very important to bring this here. The reason that I chose celebrations to focus on is that in Canada, all the communities are celebrating all the festivals in their own groups and their own communities. The whole idea of multi-culturalism is then defeated. If you just interact with your own people, what is the purpose of living in a multi-cultural society?

How did you come up with the story of The Peace Tree?

I used to be a teacher, and in my class-room we learnt about the celebrations of different cultures. So I had asked the students to research a festival outside of their own sphere. One of the students came up and said, ‘I don't want to learn about anyone else's culture, I only want to know about my own.' When I heard that, I became really concerned and

I felt very sad that this child was going to be missing out on so much if they continued to live that way. But I realised where it was coming from, so I felt that we needed to create a tool to open a dialogue between the parents and the children, and between the parents and the teachers. As educators, we don't quite know how to handle issues like this, so we shy away from them. If the parent says, ‘I'd like my child removed from this lesson' then they just go ahead and do it. However, people are realising that because of what's happening in the world today, we need to start learning about different faiths and cultures.

All the celebrations have such beautiful aspects and traditions to them and this is a great way for people to come together, learn about each other, create understanding and respect.

Why did you decide to make a film?

My background is in filmmaking, and whenever an issue comes up that I feel needs to be shared and can create some understanding, I take a leap and turn it into a film.

I also think that the kids in this movie can teach adults a few things.

We have so much to learn from children. They don't have all the vices and the divisions that we have - they just see something that's different and they're curious. They want to explore it, they want to experience it. That kind of open-minded mentality is what children can really teach parents and families. It's important to start teaching this now so that we can create understanding.

What's your goal for this film?

There's no foundation yet, although that's what we're trying to develop.

In terms of The Peace Tree, the seeds have been planted all over the world. Everywhere the film goes, we start this Peace Tree initiative there. The mayor in Toronto has proclaimed Peace Tree Day on June 1 and its now being proclaimed in various cities around Canada as well. What I would love to see is that this whole initiative could spread to cities around the world, through the voices of children - to empower them with a tool and show what they can do. It's not just a film, the film is just a catalyst or a trigger.

So how do you make a kids' movie?

You need very interesting and spontaneous characters. Part of selecting the cast is choosing children who you can allow to be themselves. They don't have to act then, they are just very natural. You do still have to take them through workshops and train them how to react in front of the camera. I always like to give newcomers a chance, I never select children who have acted before. Colours are also very important. Something that's different, something that takes them either to a different part of the world, to a different cultural experience. Music is critical, but again it must be music that is not common to them. Integrate and incorporate instruments from other cultures, so that they are exposed to something new, but show them how fun and upbeat that can be. Then you have the wardrobe. Here you need something that's unique and different, like the little blonde girl in the film wearing the langha. Show them exploring different cultures - that's always engaging because the children can see themselves doing it.

Generally you need a lot of drama and humour, and an upbeat positive ending. But it has to make them think, that really helps.

For more information, see www.sandalwoodproductions.com/peacetree.

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