Arlot is an Indo-Australian art community started in the early 80's by a group of people migrated from India to Australia. Native Australians, second and third generation Indian immigrants are an integral part of this community. Arlot has become more of a sub-culture in the southern part of Western Australia where this community functions. It is an invite-only community as they have peculiar taste for everything they do. Acrylic painting and charcoal art are famous among their art.
My mom, Sana, migrated from India when she was 23 years old after marrying my dad who was already working here at that time. She joined Arlot within few years of moving to Western Australia when membership was not invite-only. She was so interested in charcoal art and concentrated on creating only that in her initial years. When I was 20, I got my Arlot membership through my mom and started involving in the group that made short films. It was the same time mom got busy with work and stopped coming to the weekly events that took place in Arlot studio.
Arlot has grown into a 500+ member community now. Yes, not an impressive number for a community like this old, but the work it creates is top notch and unique. I go to Arlot every weekend. What is there to do for a 24 years old on holidays?
Today is Saturday and I have come to D-wing of the Arlot community center where they discuss new short film ideas every week. There are few people already in the lobby as I go there. They look at me as they were eagerly expecting me for so long. As I exchange greeting with them, Greg, who is one of the film directors there approaches me. I know he wants to have a word with me personally. Two other friends Matt and Jemima also follow him. I sense Greg is okay with them joining the conversation he is going to have with me. He guides me to another room right beside the lobby and we all get in there. Greg is 50 years old with a rich look. He has directed award winning films and has a good reputation not only in Arlot but outside as well.
"I need to talk to you," says Greg.
"I am cool," I reply.
I am not concerned about Matt of Jemima being there though it looks like its going to be a private conversation. They both are very good friends. If they stayed near my house, I would have gone to school with them.
"I will come to the point, Arun. I am going to direct a short film," says Greg.
I am not surprised as Greg often pulls in members of Arlot or their friends to cast in his movies.
"Well, okay...." I mumble.
"This is a story about a middle-aged woman who has an affair with a co-worker," says Greg.
I nod at him. Matt and Jemima flash a smile.
"How can I help?" I ask.
"I want the middle-aged women to be your mom. I know she will make a good actor but for some reasons stayed with charcoal all this time. I tried convincing her to act in my short film three years back but she refused. I think this is a good chance for her again as this role suits her better."
I did not expect this but it did not surprise me as well. People are very open in Arlot and they discuss widely before starting any project. I know Greg is telling me this as this involves my mom.
"Do you want me to talk to her?" I ask Greg.
"I am going to speak to her Monday," Matt interrupts.
Matt works in the same firm my mom works and they see each other every weekday. I understand that this discussion is more like getting my consent as the story line is erotic in nature. I know other short films Greg has directed. They are valuable erotic art works.
"I am perfectly okay with it, " I say
I know Greg is being nice here by telling me of this project. He knows our family, who have been in Australia for almost three decades, is contemporary and we will do whatever is needed for art.
"If you want to talk anything about the film, let one of us know," Greg says.
Grey smiles and pats on my shoulder before leaving the room. Matt gives a thumbs up and follows Greg. Jemima gives me a small hug and tell me it's going to be alright. May be she sensed I am concerned casting my mom in that role. I think it doesn't bother me personally. Greg's choice is sane. My mom is tall and curvy with long hair; she represents all that is Indian in a woman. She is also at the same time contemporary to do this role.
Three weeks have passed. Jemima calls me to say that coming weekend is the shoot and Matt has already spoken to mom. Today is Friday and my mom calls me for dinner. I have not asked her of the short film yet. I sit on the table and she speaks to me.
"I'm going with you to Arlot tomorrow. I hope you know from Greg what for."
"Oh yes! I know. He told me few weeks back. Hope you are okay to spare sometime for Arlot."
"I am excited," mom says.
"I didn't know you are an actor. How does Greg know you act?"
"I enacted like him for fun ... for like a minute ... to make fun of him. That was many years ago. I didn't think he saw the actor in me at that time."