The visionaries behind the lens are frequently the center of attention in the prestigious field of cinematography, where each frame tells a story and each scene paints an image. However, beneath the flash and glamour, there is a lesser-known story of endurance, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of art in the face of difficult circumstances.
Enter the realm of Pavetra Arumugam, a woman whose journey through the labyrinth of the film industry embodies the very essence of triumph against adversity. In an industry historically dominated by men, she emerges as a beacon of inspiration, navigating through the challenges with unparalleled determination and skill.Pavetra a second born into a family of diverse professional backgrounds a nurse mother, a marine surveyor father, and surrounded by engineers and doctors. However, her heart beats to the rhythm of visual storytelling, a passion that led her on an unconventional path.
Pavetra’s story began with a Diploma in 3D animation and visual effects, a choice influenced by her innate artistic talents. But it was during her final semester that the spark of cinematography ignited. Despite the lack of exposure in her immediate surroundings, she delved into the world of cinematography, driven by a desire to pursue what truly ignited her soul.
When we asked Pavetra how does she got the hook to choose film industry as a career. “As she said up until Form 5, I was uncertain about my career path. Initially, I considered becoming a veterinary doctor due to my love for dogs, but it seems fate had other plans for me. God granted me the freedom to choose my course of study.I am currently employed with Bawah Pokok Productions, boasting a solid five-year tenure in the field of cinematography, coupled with a decade-long experience as a photographer and videographer.”
Pavetra declared, “from a young age, I have been inclined towards the arts, as my parents can attest. I engaged in drawing, painting, music, and various artistic pursuits. It never occurred to me that I would pursue the arts professionally. However, my mom suggested I pursue further studies in the film industry, recognizing my talents. She emphasized that true fulfillment comes from following one’s passions. If I were to become a doctor one day, the crucial question would be whether I genuinely love the profession or if happiness takes precedence over everything else.”
India became the crucible of her cinematic education, where she pursued an advanced degree in cinematography in 2019. However, the pandemic rerouted her journey back to Malaysia, where she faced uncertainty but remained resolute in her pursuit. Determined to carve her path, she embraced freelance work, honing her skills through photography and videography, capturing emotions, moments, and narratives in every frame.
“Due to my deep interest in cinematography, I researched universities offering specialized education in the field. Subsequently, I pursued an advanced degree in cinematography in India in 2019. Initially, I intended to work in India post-graduation however, the pandemic forced me to return to Malaysia. Upon my return, I found myself at a loss and explored various other opportunities. It dawned on me that instead of searching for opportunities, I should create them myself. This approach would enable me to showcase my talents and skills to others,” Pave told.
Pavetra’s Journey into the Film Industry
Opportunity knocked when Gowri Arumugam recognized Pavetra’s talent and offered her a chance to step into the film industry. This marked the beginning of Sara’s ascent, working on various projects, including web series and music videos, gradually earning recognition within the industry.
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“As a cinematographer, I craft cinematic experiences through emotions, images, and situations. During this period, I expanded my repertoire to include photography and videography for various special occasions such as pregnancy portraits, events, and family and newborn photographs. Working independently, I was later offered an opportunity by Gowri Arumugam to serve as a cinematographer for family-oriented and devotional music videos titled “Kanmani” and “Yen Velavane.” It was through her recognition of my skills and qualities that I was provided with the chance to enter the film industry, she said.”
“In 2022, I worked on the 10-episode series “Maalai,” directed by Sai Narayanan. Following the series, I began receiving recognition from industry professionals. Consequently, I expressed to my parents my desire to visit Kuala Lumpur to explore new job opportunities, as completing work in Johor Bahru had proven challenging and caused me to miss out on several projects.Mathubalan, also a cinematographer, approached me impressed by my skills and techniques demonstrated in the “Maalai” series. Furthermore, I had the chance to contribute to the “Badep” series, filmed in Malaysia and India, which stands as the largest project I’ve been involved in,” she expressed.
She also added that “given my intense interest in cinematography, I looked through several universities that offer cinematography specific courses. I pursued an advanced degree in cinematography in India in 2019. I planned to work in India after finishing my degree, but owing to the pandemic, I had to return to Malaysia. I was puzzled when I got back, so I started to look into other opportunities. I persuaded myself that instead of looking for opportunities, I should create them for myself to demonstrate my talents and abilities to others.
Cinematographer is someone who creates cinematic experiences such as emotions, images, and situations. At that point, I began taking photographs as well as videos for any sort of special occasion, including pregnancy portraits, events, and family and newborn photographs. I worked independently and was given the opportunity by Gowri Arumugam to work as a cinematographer for family genre and devotional music videos titled Kanmani and Yen Velavane. She is the one who stipulated me the opportunity to enter the film industry after recognizing my skills and traits.”
Pavetra’s Photography :
Navigating the Cinematic Challenges
However, Pavetra’s journey was not without its challenges. Cinematography demanded technical prowess and physical endurance, navigating heavy equipment and long hours. Yet, fueled by passion, she overcame obstacles, surrounded by a supportive team who recognized her skills beyond gender stereotypes.” Cinematography presents significant challenges, both technically and physically, as tripods and cameras are heavy and require the use of gimbals. However, when you possess a genuine passion for the craft, you inevitably discover ways to overcome these obstacles. I find immense fulfillment in my work everything else becomes secondary.
My role involves translating reality into visuals, often requiring me to handle heavy equipment. Thankfully, I am fortunate to have a supportive team. Despite the solitary nature of the task, they provide invaluable assistance. For instance, when carrying the gimbal, I rely on the help of four individuals to ensure stability and prevent accidents. Building a strong team is essential for achieving greater success in this field,” she explained.
She said “during the shooting of the “Badep” series, we faced a challenge when we had to film a separate announcement video without using the gimbal to avoid abrupt cuts. To address this, we utilized an app called “focus pull,” and I was tasked by the director to manage it. The knowledge I acquired from my experience in India proved invaluable, as I had received training on how to execute focus pull shots effectively.”
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During the pandemic, she created a lockdown video for a contest held in India, and her video received recognition as the best visual storyteller.
Pavetra’s Family as a Pillar of Support
Pavetra’s family served as unwavering pillars of support, recognizing her artistic talents and advocating for her pursuit of passion over societal norms. Despite the prevailing conventions, she forged her own path, showcasing her skills as a cinematographer through unwavering dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For this aspiring cinematographer, the journey ahead is daunting. The road to success in the film industry is riddled with obstacles – fierce competition, financial constraints, and societal expectations that often undervalue the contributions of women. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the unwavering support of her family becomes her steadfast anchor.
During her college days, Pavetra engaged in part-time photography, with her father understanding and supporting her passion for the arts by gifting her first camera. Conversely, her mother, drawing from her own life experiences, encouraged her to follow her passion, having experienced the regret of not pursuing her own dreams due to parental expectations. Thus, her mother championed her passion, empathizing with the importance of pursuing one’s interests rather than simply fulfilling familial expectations.
Her cinematography journey serves as an inspiration, a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the face of adversity. As she continues her journey under Mathubalan’s mentorship, Pavetra remains committed to empowering young talents, sharing her knowledge, and advocating for gender equality within the industry.
“If you have a passion for something, pursue it fearlessly, even if it seems daunting at first. In India, it’s challenging for individuals from households like mine to succeed in the film industry, but it’s crucial to ignite our passions and pursue them relentlessly. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back; the universe supports those who take action. During my time in India, I was the only girl in my entire semester, proudly representing Malaysia and its values.
To excel as a storyteller, one must remain present and observant, attuned to human emotions and the natural world. Incorporating nature into your work as a director enhances storytelling and fosters growth as a cinematographer, a lesson I impart to my students. As someone who pays close attention to detail, I enjoy sharing my best photographs on social media to showcase the beauty I capture. Remember, as mediums, we have the power to turn visuals into reality,” she urged.
I dedicate time to reading and exploring new advancements to stay updated with the latest technology. I conduct one-on-one classes for youngsters, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available resources to begin their journey. It’s essential to be well-versed in both knowledge and technology. Nowadays, making a movie has become much more accessible with the latest technological innovations. During my studies in India, I had the opportunity to work with various new camera models, enhancing my skills and knowledge. The experiences and knowledge gained in India have contributed significantly to my growth as a professional in Malaysia.
May your journey as a cinematographer be illuminated with boundless opportunities, and may every project you undertake be a stepping stone towards greater success.
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