Didn’t Die, an independent zombie film that debuted in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival, explores the themes of isolation through the lens of an apocalyptic thriller. Following its world premiere at Sundance, HT had the chance to engage in a conversation with the film's cast and director.

Didn't Die serves as a reminder of home

Following its world premiere at Sundance, HT had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with the film's cast and director. In addition to its genre aspects, the film poignantly highlights the significance of its setting, specifically the house where numerous scenes were filmed, which belonged to director Meera Menon and her cinematographer and co-writer, Paul Gleason, who is also her husband. They were compelled to evacuate their residence due to the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles. The film now encapsulates the memories of their former home.

“The segments of the film that honor our home provide me with a sense of solace. It is reassuring to know that we managed to capture its beauty in some form, especially since the fire left a profound impact on all who witnessed it—it felt as though everything vanished in an instant,” the director remarked when reflecting on the significance of the images of her home lost to the fires.

‘Horror is a broad concept’

The director emphasized that the horror film format has the potential to explore deeper existential themes related to loss and community in today's context. "Horror is a vast genre that can serve as a medium for delving into our pain and fears. Our aim was to craft a ghost story intertwined with a zombie narrative, as what often frightens me more than the monsters themselves is the overwhelming nature of loss and the challenge of moving forward in its wake," she remarked.

Didn't Die showcases a talented cast, including Kiran Deol, George Basil, Samrat Chakrabarti, Katie McCuen, and Vishal Vijayakumar. Was Sundance the first occasion they experienced the film together?

Kiran expressed, "Sundance was chilly yet remarkable! This was my first experience watching the film with an audience alongside the rest of the cast and filmmakers. At the premiere, my initial viewing was somewhat of a blur. I struggled to fully absorb it all, given the extensive time and effort invested over the years. However, I enjoyed a second screening in one of the Park City theaters with friends, which was a delightful experience. It felt like an achievement to see it on the big screen."

George Basil echoed this sentiment, stating, "It was truly a wonderful experience to share it with others, and the audience added an extra layer of enjoyment."

"There is something enchanting about experiencing a film with an audience. During the Sundance screening of Didn't Die, I locked eyes with Kiran Deol as her character delivered a brilliant joke. A subtle nudge, a shared laugh—at that moment, we were not merely spectators; we were reliving our shared journey. The atmosphere was charged, filled with an energy that felt completely genuine and vibrant. Laughter cascaded through the audience, interspersed with moments of quiet reverence. It was heartening to witness the film resonate with both South Asian and non-South Asian viewers. At its essence, cinema is a beautiful collaboration among actors, crew, and the audience. Observing our creation come to life, surrounded by fellow dreamers and storytellers, was truly special."

Kiran discussed the portrayal of South Asian identity, albeit without additional context. "It is exceedingly rare to have the chance to lead a feature film, particularly one where the South Asian identity is intricately integrated into a multifaceted character. Portraying an entire character arc and delving into Vanita's diverse aspects was a remarkable experience. I aspire to engage in similar projects as time goes on, and this opportunity was undoubtedly a result of Meera's faith in my abilities as both an artist and a performer," she remarked.

Vishal Vijayakumar expressed that witnessing the film alongside the cast at Sundance was a true privilege. "Experiencing everyone's contributions while seated together in a theater was profoundly cathartic. This ensemble is not merely a second family; they represent an extension of my own," he stated. Furthermore, the screening was completely sold out. "To view it on the big screen with all of us present, alongside a packed audience that reacted with laughter and gasps at all the right moments, was an immensely fulfilling experience. We accomplished it!" added cast member Katie McCuen.

‘It was almost like being back in a theatre troupe!’

The cast expressed their enthusiasm regarding the opportunity to collaborate with Meera in bringing the distinctive realm of a zombie apocalypse to life. Samrat reflected on their enduring partnership, which has spanned several years. “I was involved in Meera's inaugural short film, where she was in search of a South Asian American male actor capable of embodying a character that was exceptionally mischievous, quirky, and humorous. This initial collaboration fostered an unbreakable trust; she cultivated an empowering atmosphere that enabled me to express myself authentically. We also formed an unspoken agreement to portray South Asian Americans on screen in nuanced, complex, and humanized ways, challenging conventional stereotypes. This methodology aids in the normalization of globalization,” he remarked.

Vishal contributed, “Her distinctive and balanced style established a powerful dynamic that proved beneficial during filming. She was consistently eager to explore my identity as an individual, which allowed for beautiful subtleties to emerge in the film.” Kiran noted, “Meera is an exceptional collaborator, as her deep commitment to teamwork creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a theatre troupe.”

“She fosters a sense of safety and attentiveness, making it inspiring to be in her presence. Working with her felt akin to receiving assistance from a family member rather than being directed by a departmental head,” George stated. Co-star Katie concurred, concluding, “Meera possesses a remarkable ability to assemble the right individuals. Her calm demeanor on set and deep trust in her actors made it effortless to experiment. She empowered us to trust our instincts while providing the gentle guidance necessary to reach the essence of each scene.”

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