Journalism alum V.T. Nayani’s feature film debuts at the Toronto International Film Festival

V.T. Nayani (external link, opens in new window) ’s professional path following her journalism degree has had many twists and turns but it all led to finding herself in the unique position of having This Place (external link, opens in new window) , debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (external link, opens in new window)  - a remarkable feat for a first-time feature film director. 

The queer love story about two young women in Toronto - one Iranian and Kanienʼkehá꞉ka, the other Tamil - dealing with difficult family legacies stars Devery Jacobs and Priya Guns. It was co-written by Nayani, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Golshan Abdmoulaie and is a work of collaboration, community and love. An interplay of the Iranian, Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk), and Tamil communities, this is a coming-of-age love story at its centre.

“We wanted to explore what love looks like in all its capacities, possibilities and complications. The grief of love, the joy, heartache, hope and what love gives birth to: in a romantic sense, intimate partner sense, parental sense and communal sense,” she explains. “We were interested in showing the honest side of love: that it is messy and beautiful at the same time - it can be all of the things. As much as the different sides of love bring us grief, it also brings us courage.”

While Nayani’s initial interest in journalism and broadcasting was born from the work of journalists like Lisa Ling and Christiane Amanpour, she also loved escapist romantic comedies, and started to follow her curiosity and interests; it led her to other opportunities, including music videos and documentary and eventually, This Place. 

“Whatever was prescribed, the more traditional path didn’t feel right for me,” she said. “I didn’t go to film school, I don't have family connections in the industry and I’m from a working class family. I had to take that route to find my own way. It’s been a journey of combining my love of performance, written word and visuals into film and TV.”

But her past experiences honed her storytelling skills, empathy for others and the important value she places on being respectful, collaborative and curious - all of which have impacted how she works and how she got where she is. 

“This is where the journalism training and the love of words, people and their stories comes into play. From my parents and experiences, I was always interested in interior lives and the things that preceded them,” Nayani said. “My parents are refugees from Sri Lanka, they are Tamil, and stories I heard growing up. We just had oral storytelling: I don’t know what my dad looked like before he left Sri Lanka, I don’t know what he looked like as a boy. We just lost so much [of that] documentation and archive that is tangible or physical.”

This Place’s premiere sold out with TIFF audiences as soon as it was released

This Place debuts at TIFF when audiences are returning to the experience of watching films in-person for the first time. This Place’s release had been delayed for a few years, but the timing is special. The premiere sold out as soon as tickets went public, and Nayani is moved by the messages the team has received from strangers and friends from many different communities, excited to watch the film. 

“It was meant to happen now, when we can be there in-person. Not only do we have the blessing and privilege of our families, communities and loved ones getting the chance to be present with us when we first screen the film with the world,” Nayani says, “but given the nature of the film, which is about the family and community, it is such an exciting opportunity to share this kind of story beyond our borders and boundaries.” 

She reminds audiences to consume art with care and reflection: “It is a privilege for anyone who is not from our communities, especially for people, who are not from racialized communities, to be invited into this world at this moment in time. I don't want people to treat it voyeuristically. We don’t often get to see stories like this on screen - and definitely not together.”

Her approach on-set from crew to cast is grounded in respect and collaboration 

Nayani is thoughtful about how she approaches work. It is clear how much she respects the people she works with. The creative process is vulnerable and she approached it with care. 

“As important as it is to create stories for the screen that resonate with audiences, touch people and connect with them, that means nothing to me if the people making the movie didn’t feel good, and don’t feel safe and at ease,” she says. “Making a movie is not worth sacrificing people’s wellness, health or safety.” 

She met her collaborators in Toronto and the city represents where they met and worked together, so this is the only place this film could be set. “Specific intersections and conversations that happen here in Toronto don't happen elsewhere,” she says. “This is where our stories as writers collided, our paths first crossed - the meeting place we have all come to.” 

Excited for this to debut, Nayani sums it up: “It will be surreal to be in a room with 400 people who are watching your movie. I don't know how to make sense of it.”

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