Akhil Vijayan
In 2019, I selected the Communication & Journalism program for my postgraduate studies in University of Kerala. The opportunity to study film and film production in the third semester was a significant factor in my decision. My ambition is to direct numerous feature films. I believe that extensive travel, gaining new experiences, connecting with diverse individuals, exploring various cultures, and trying different cuisines will enrich my creativity and perspective. This journey will undoubtedly be advantageous for me as an aspiring filmmaker. Collaborating with university of Kerala, Kerala govt advertising and imaging technology agency (Cdit), public relations society of India during and after the course I have directed documentary fictions, short films, promo films and I worked as cover fashion photographer for an online magazine also. some of my films were selected in various prestigious film festivals also.
In my postgraduate studies, I had the pleasure of befriending two classmates from Vietnam, Do Trinh and Nguyễn Ngọc Trinh. Through them, I discovered the rich cultures, diverse cuisines, and artistic expressions of Vietnam. My time in post graduate school also allowed me to deepen my understanding of photography and film production. Trinh and Nguyễn Ngọc Trinh frequently served as my models for various photography projects. Inspired by their influence, I published a low-light photography book titled ‘RETRATO’ within the department. They are both truly among the most remarkable and significant humans I have encountered in my life.
After the course in 2021, when they departed from Kerala, I resolved to visit their homeland, Vietnam, at least once. I began to act on this decision in August 2024, the month I completed the script for my first film. When I shared the news with them on WhatsApp about my upcoming trip, I was thrilled to hear my Vietnamese friends express their eagerness to join me in exploring the streets of Hanoi, the train village, and more.
I began my research on flight prices and visa requirements for traveling to Vietnam. During this process, I came across an article in the newspaper about VietJet Air's Love Connection. I can't express how thrilled and joyful I felt upon reading it. I am eager to capture numerous photographs, explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum, indulge in delicious dishes like pho, bun bo hue, banh mi, Che, bo bit tet, Goi cuon and experience the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people. I visited Delhi in March 2023 to begin writing my first feature film, and now, over a year later, the script is complete. Before diving into production, I plan to embark on an extensive trip to Vietnam. This journey will allow me to reconnect with my Vietnamese friends, gain valuable experiences, immerse myself in the local culture, appreciate the arts, and photograph the vibrant community. After this adventure, I will return to Kerala to pursue my dream of making my first film