Member-only story
Conversation with Independent Filmmaker Sujewa Ekanayake about the making of “The Secret Society For Slow Romance”
I loved being able to watch the Secret Society For Slow Romance, but I found myself bursting with questions as soon as the credits rolled. I am honored that Sujewa Ekanayake, the auteur behind the work, took the time to do a Q&A with me about slow cinema, happiness, and working on independent movies through a pandemic.
What attracted you to slow cinema?
The first slow cinema type movie that I saw and was super impressed with was Mystery Train by Jim Jarmusch. The slow pace, the chill approach to life — the realistic characters, multi-ethnic casting in 1989 — ahead of its time — the humor, multiple stories, the great cinematography and music — all of that was excellent — and I thought that was a great way to tell a story in a movie.
Later on, as I discovered more indie, art house, foreign movies, I seemed to enjoy the slower movies more. It’s the opposite of the plot driven Hollywood movies — which do not linger and get into characters and the environment as much.
Slow cinema makes room for the lived experience, the present — with all its many details. It’s a nice form for me to use when making my movies. Also there is a Buddhistic/meditational/observational/compassionate quality to it — which I enjoy. To pay attention to something, in a way, is to show love.
From just a bit of research about you and knowing you on Twitter, you are extremely productive and passionate, and are very supportive of the independent film community and are active in elevating as many projects and makers as you can while working at honing your craft. In other words — a blend of Rene’s optimism and Allyson’s productivity. What inspired you to start making movies? How many have you made? How does Secret Society for Slow Romance fit into your story?
I have been making indie movies since about 1991. But mostly since about 1998. And have made a number of friends along the way. We keep in touch on social media, and promote each other’s projects when possible. Also I…
