Ron Kahlon uses film to build bridges between First Nations and Indian communities.
Migrating from New Delhi in 2012, the award-winning film maker is now based in Melbourne.
“In India there’s not much talk about the Aboriginal community, about the true owners of the land, so I’m trying to spread that information through films.”
During the production of his first short film ‘The Seashell’, Ron recalls collecting legendary actor and Aboriginal Elder Uncle Jack Charles from his apartment.
“The film was about climate change, so it was a very sensitive film. We wanted someone like Jack Charles to come on and take it to another level.”
Ron remembers a sense of trepidation. He is such a great personality who has experienced so much both on and off the screen – what would these two men have in common?
Their connection was instant.
Ron was welcomed by Uncle Jack with open arms. At no time did he feel he was working with a stranger.
Uncle Jack Charles with Ron Kahlon and team while shooting for the film The Seashell Source: Ron Kahlon
“There are so many similarities," he says. "I come from a Sikh background where we are farmers and for us, land is our mother. When I started talking about who I am and what I do, there was a connection when he started talking about the land as well.”
Above all else the Indian community believes in family and elevates its elders, says Ron.
“Whenever we meet, we touch their feet and take the blessing. That’s another common thing between the Indian and the First Nations communities. We respect our elders and we give respect to the people who are with us and who have left us.”
Ron worked on his second film with Torres Strait Islander woman Laila Thaker. The actor, writer and producer took him under her wing to help produce the multi-award-winning short film ‘The Untold’.
Ron Kahlon values working with Aboriginal artists Source: Ron Kahlon
“I am thankful to both these personalities who have helped me so far to establish my career in Australia as a film maker,” he says.
“I felt the Indigenous community is so gentle and welcoming. They never make you feel that you’re an outsider who’s working on their land. I migrated from India to Australia, and they welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. I felt like I’m working with a family member.”
Ron has been blown away by how helpful, caring and open minded the Aboriginal community is. He appreciates the way in which feedback from these experienced actors has been frank but friendly, and always polite.
Since working in the Australian film industry, Ron’s sense of duty and responsibility has shifted.
“It’s my job to pay back to the true owners of the land by working with them, by learning from them,” he says. “I feel it’s my responsibility to have Aboriginal cast or crew in my films so I can build stronger bonds with them.”