Oscar winner back in India for her next film

New Delhi, Nov 18: Six years after her documentary Smile Pinki a story of a child with cleft lip got her the Oscar, director Megan Mylan is back in India with another short film After My Garden Grows.

Supported by women and child development (WCD) ministry, it is another India-based story about a teenage girl Monica in rural Bengal seeking independence from childhood marriage by growing a rooftop vegetable garden.

“Smile Pinki was a great experience and I always wanted to come back to India for my next film. I hope Indians see it and feel proud. It is a brilliant story,” said the Manhattan girl who has been hoping to and fro from India and Manhattan for her film and her two-year-old son.

Mylan’s 10 minute film is not just about child marriage but showcases other problems in India like poverty, maternal health, strategies to overcome hunger and economic development.

In the movie After My Garden Grows, Monika shuns the idea of becoming a child bride by growing her own garden, thereby becoming an asset to the family.

The family had married the older sister of Monica, who faced maternal problems etc. However, Monica decided for herself that it was not the path for her.

In the story later, Monica goes to the market and made Rs 60, a significant contribution to the family. “The film shows that she is not only bringing food to the table. She is back into the school,” Mylan said.

While, Oscar was a “confidence builder” for Mylan, she is not eyeing or expecting the Oscar award. “I am not expecting an 0scar. I think if you try and make a film for an award, you make a bad film,’’ said Mylan.

Attracted to ideas of social change and stories about people, Mylan’s favourite from the B- town is Aamir Khan.

“I have watched Lagaan and sometimes watch Satyamev Jayate. His idea to bring forward ordinary people on the fore is immense,” she added. Mylan’s film is helped by Sundance Film Institute in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, finds support from WCD, Aamir Khan, Shadi.com, PVR and designer Sabyasachi.

“I feel privledged to share the story. Hope the message goes wide and clear to many others,” she added.

Mylan now plans to produce short stories on gender issues with the directors from India, Bangladesh and Nepal. She is also planning a documentary on how Japan cares for its elders.