‘Kurta Pants’ writer-director Chhaya Nene: Stereotypes are not okay

The first-time filmmaker’s movie ‘Kurta Pants’ is in the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival

By DesiMax Wire

Indian American writer-director Chhaya Nene’s film ‘Kurta Pants’ will be screened at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival later this year. “Kurta Pants” is the latest episode in the television anthology series ‘Civil Disobedience’. Each episode explores a social justice issue that requires an act of civil disobedience.

This particular episode focuses on inherent race, religion, and cultural biases in South Asian and Nigerian cultures while recognizing this is not a one-label-fits-all all situation.

And there’s a twist: It’s done as a comedy.

We sat down with writer-director Nene to see how this specific episode applies universally and her journey to creating such a heartfelt and relevant story.

How did this ‘Kurta Pants’ come to be? In fact, why is it called ‘Kurta Pants’?

(Laughing, with her eyes twinkling.)

I’m glad you asked that. For anyone who has seen those pants, they are massive, one size fits all, and while different cultures share a version of pants, we’re all so different. Our pants may be one size fits all, but we aren’t. None of us are a monolith and I think with representation sometimes that’s how we get portrayed— as if we all have one experience.

And what was the process to write this? You wrote, directed, acted in it, and produced… anything else?

Yes, being a director means you kinda do it all, especially with independent filmmaking. I had actually acted in an episode for this series two years back and knew they were looking for content for a final episode. I pitched a rough idea for an episode, and the production company gave me the green light.

But this process has been such a fun ride.

I had never written an episode before and I knew that if I was going to write something with a South Asian focus, I would have to direct it. The producers supported that vision.

But then life happens — I was going through some personal things and then was in an accident that quite literally took me out. And I had a choice: I could either wallow and quit or I could work towards writing this thing I knew I had to.

So I wrote and spoke with writers and directors in the industry and I had this script I wasn’t sure about, but producers loved it and then I dove into learning on the fly.

I will say that after having a hand in all parts of this piece, I have learned so much and I’m in awe of the people who make this industry run. It really does take a team.

Why did you choose to tackle interracial dating specifically in South Asian/Nigerian culture?

To grow, we have to look within. Specifically on the South Asian side, I think we are way overdue to have tough conversations with our families. After George Floyd and Black Lives Matter really came to the forefront, I remember having conversations with my peers about anti-black bias in the culture and society in general to understand where that stems from.

From those conversations, I found that for the most part, it originates in preconceived stereotypes that were unconsciously assimilated. Though not founded in malice, actions and conversations resulting from those stereotypes were hurtful and not okay.

In the research and conversations around this, it became apparent that all of our cultures fall victim to these biases. It’s something we know but don’t really talk about, and the more we talk about these kinds of things, the more we can say, “yeah that’s not okay.”

But how do you broach “touchy subjects” without lecturing someone? We know that the best way for people to want to change is to come to it themselves. So the idea here became, educate/conversation in a way where people can look at themselves in a humorous, honest self-examination type of way.

I also remember conversations around only being able to bring home people from the same culture, and that just was not my experience. My family had always encouraged us to bring home whomever so I wanted to write something that incorporated both of those things. I have never seen a piece like that, and I wanted to show that we aren’t a monolith, and yet we need to have tough conversations. I think that’s key to growth and moving into a place where injustice dies.

Is there anything else that makes this episode universal/unique?

This piece is a rom-com and it’s about bringing someone home to dinner and really to meet your parents. Ultimately, we all go through this at some level– in terms of seeking approval of the partners we love. I also think that our families are nuanced and a little wild and anyone who has brought someone home knows how this can go. That’s what makes it universal.

It’s unique in the sense that we see a rom-com tackling racism, prejudice, and having tough conversations through a twist, that I won’t spoil.

I’ll also say that this was a family affair in more ways than one– you’ll have to watch the film to find out just how so.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any easter eggs in this film that you would like to highlight?

This film would not have happened without my family, friends, cast, and crew. They went above and beyond for me in all ways, even the night before and the morning of when we had to juggle and problem solve very fast. Also, I should note that they came together to donate the location, food, their time, their expertise, and so much more. My brother even jumped in as a grip despite not being in the industry, because it had to be done. It really reminds me how loved I am and I’ll have that forever.

Seriously, hire them all for your projects.

Additionally, you’ll find nods to them in my writing, there’s a line of dialogue that I had written, that my brother who is closest in age to me, found right away. He knew it was one of his catchphrases and we laughed when we heard it.

That line and others—weaving those people in—It’s my way of thanking them for their support, believing in me, and loving me.

I’m also really proud that I was able to make sure that:

-3/5 of the cast were female. One was 91 years old who despite a stroke, endured several hours of PT to make it.
-50% of the crew were female.
-The assistant director of Kurta Pants came from the Visually Impaired & Blind Community and nailed it.
-63% of the crew were BIPOC.
-100% of the cast were BIPOC.

Any advice to future filmmakers?

Just do it. Do the thing you’re afraid of. Write how you want to be seen, don’t worry about the how—the way reveals itself. Mine did.

‘Ask for what you’re worth and don’t ever give up,’ which is something my Dad instilled in me. Things can seem bleak but you need to know that you’re incredible and you have something to say that can only make this world a better place. People will show up for you.

My mom always says, ‘Make them come to you. If it’s not happening, you write your own and make them come to you.” I think that’s great advice.

Where can people find the film and some of your other work?

You can follow the film on Instagram at @kurtapantsthefilm, we will be posting updates and festival news. We’ve submitted to a variety of festivals and will definitely be sharing more there.

In terms of other work, I’m currently working on three features. And on the acting side, you can catch me in ABC’s Big Sky, General Hospital, Speechless and Netflix’s The OA as well as Archana Shinde’s ‘Earbuds’ which will be hitting festivals.