In the bustling world of independent cinema, few names stand out as brightly as Dip Patel. An actor turned filmmaker, Patel has made a significant mark with his film Arto, which has been lauded for its storytelling and execution. We had the privilege of interviewing Patel, diving deep into his journey, inspirations, and the challenges he faced while bringing Arto to life.
From Stage to Screen: The Genesis of a Filmmaker
Patel’s journey in the film industry began with a passion that took root early in his life. “I am kind of very nudgy as an actor and filmmaker. I started as an actor in 2016,” he recalls. This passion for acting was ignited during his school days. “My passion for acting developed when I was in standard 8th. I have been part of productions and used to lead the plays by myself. I knew from that instance that I wanted to be an actor.”
His early realization of his talent and the audience’s connection to his performances set him on a path that would eventually lead to filmmaking. “Since I started the journey as an actor, I have come to know all the great filmmakers in the world and their way of filmmaking,” Patel shares. His transition from acting to filmmaking was driven by a desire to tell stories that resonated with him and challenged the commercial norms. “My voice as an actor got stronger, and ideas started to pop up to tell the stories I relate to myself and the character I believed in.”
The Inspiration Behind Arto
Arto is a film that draws heavily from Patel’s experiences and observations in New York City. “I was very inspired by the art New York has to show and its people. They are very artistic in the way they live life and believe in art,” Patel explains. His frequent visits to art galleries in the city sparked the idea for the film. “I often visit art galleries, and I know that art is an expensive hobby to keep in New York as it is an elite culture. The story developed in my mind about a person who finds difficulty in getting the painting and finding his own inspiration to make one.”
Overcoming Obstacles
Creating Arto was not without its challenges. Securing a location for filming was particularly difficult. “Getting the location for Arto was a big challenge as I knew nowhere the photography or videography in the art gallery is allowed,” Patel explains. After numerous attempts to get approval from various galleries, a breakthrough came unexpectedly. “We got a final yes from the Salmagundi Club, which was out of the box and never thought this could even be possible. Salmagundi Club is one of the finest art galleries in New York, and the people we met there are the sweetest and most cooperative I ever met.”
Character Development and Personal Influences
Patel’s approach to character development is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and observations. “While I was finishing my studies in acting in New York, my observation skills were developed to the topmost at a time,” he shares. His daily commute provided rich material for character creation. “The character from Arto is more on the side of the professional person who is living in New York and coming from a highly appreciated white-collar job trying to set up a new home in New York.”
Inspiration from the Greats
When asked about his inspirations, Patel names several renowned filmmakers. “I am greatly a fan of Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and many more,” he says. His passion for filmmaking was further fueled during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As an actor, it is very important you have a voice that you want to put into the world and want to express the views.”
The Role of Film Festivals
Patel holds film festivals in high regard for their role in promoting independent films. “I am truly a big fan of the film festivals as I came across some of the best films I am ever gonna see in my life from the film festivals and independent filmmakers,” he enthuses. His experiences at these festivals have been profoundly inspiring. “Attending film festivals made me fall in love with creating more movies than ever, and I am going to do that for my lifetime now.”
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
For those just starting out in filmmaking, Patel offers sage advice. “I say just one thing: create, no matter what it takes and what is holding you back. If you are on the right track, things will eventually fall into place,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and originality. “Filmmaking is a tedious process but it is the most satisfying thing. After finishing Arto, I jumped into another project Not In This World in which I developed a very close relationship with the character I played.”
What’s Next for Dip Patel?
Looking to the future, Patel has a slate of exciting projects. “Right now, I just finished with the film First Light Screening, and currently, I am playing Nurse Raj’s character in the upcoming series St. Denis Medical on NBC Universal Networks,” he reveals. Additionally, Patel is preparing for a new film. “I am working on my character for my upcoming film called Contigo in which I will be playing a Mexican character for the first time in my life. The film shoot is about to start next month.”
Dip Patel’s journey from an aspiring actor to an accomplished filmmaker is a testament to his passion, resilience, and creative vision. With Arto and his upcoming projects, he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of independent cinema.
At the Blue Bird Film Festival, we celebrate the creative minds behind the films as well as the films themselves. We look forward to seeing what cinematic gems our new filmmaker will reveal and can’t wait to see what else they have to tell us about their amazing journeys.