Short Screenplay – TO KILL GANDHI by James M Freeman

Watch the September 2016 Winning Short Screenplay

TO KILL GANDHI by James M  Freeman

What is your screenplay about?

To save the life of the woman he loves, a disillusioned Calcutta gangster must assassinate Gandhi on the eve of Indian Independence.

What genres does your 1pg. short fall under?

Historical/Action/Drama.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Using a distinctive historical background (Calcutta in the late 1940s), this screenplay highlights an enduring human dilemma: when, if ever, violence is justified.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Controversial & Insightful.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

“M.”

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

This is adapted from a feature screenplay (The Time of Killing), which took four years to write. The short script took about a month.

How many stories have you written?

I have written several other short scripts. I am a retired anthropology professor and non-fiction writer, whose book, “Hearts of Sorrow,” won an American Book Award.

What motivated you to write this screenplay?

My screenplays are based on my decades of research in India and Southeast Asia. My present screenplay (a fictional story) was inspired by the life history of a Calcutta gangster, which I collected more than forty years ago.

What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

Unlearning the conventions of non-fiction writing.

Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Refugee children and their protection.

Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

If you have it in you to write, then write. Avoid naysayers. Pay attention to genuine critics, who will help you to improve.

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Director/Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Editor: John Johnson

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne