Step into the world of Calling with this exclusive interview featuring Natalia Melnyk and Raaj Rao. At the World Film Festival in Cannes, Natalia was awarded Best Actress in a Short Film, while the film was also nominated for Best Director of a Short Film and Best Psychological Film. Discover how this talented duo began their filmmaking journey, their inspirations from renowned directors and actors, and the creative process behind the emotionally gripping story of Calling. Natalia reveals how she brought her character to life, while Raaj shares insights on funding challenges, voice acting, and his vision for post-Covid cinema.
Watch the full interview below to explore the passion and artistry behind this captivating short film!
BIO
Director & Filmmaker – Raaj Rao
Raaj Rao, is a multi award winning UAE born director, producer and actor with over 200 projects spanning (Hollywood/Bollywood/Short) Films, TV, theatre and social media and has worked with top global brands such as Nesto with their Eid campaign, win a Mercedes with STC, IKEA’s launch of desert homes, Carrefour mega discount campaign, Coca Cola’s promotions for Qatar World Cup, the launch of the Huawei Mate S etc.
He is a well known voice artist for multiple radio promo ads, films, award shows and television. A self taught dancer and trained martial artist, he’s also one of UAE’s renowned acting coaches, fight choreographer/coaches and action director for feature and short films.
He is an alumni of India’s esteemed Actor Prepares Institute, Mumbai. As an actor, he blurs the line between himself and the character in effortless execution leading to several Best Actor nominations and awards. His superhero short film, Magnificent Man, in which he Produced and was parallel lead, was selected to screen at Comic Con UAE and was the first filmed screened during the launch weekend of Paramount Hotel Dubai.
His love for storytelling led him to directing/conceptualizing many award winning short films and launch campaigns for companies such as Alpago properties, LK fashions etc. His first short film as a Writer & Director “Work in Progress” was nominated for the 2 main performance awards and won Best Actor Female at the Emirates Film Festival 2022.
A testament to his powerful story telling, Raaj’s latest film, Calling, recently began its Film Festival journey by winning 15 awards globally including Best Director, 4 Best International Short Film, 4 Best Actress, 3 major nominations at the World Film Festival in Cannes including and 7 Official selections in 7 cities.
WEBSITE:
https://raajrao.my.canva.site/
BIO
Actress – Natalia Melnyk
A multi award winning Ukrainian actor from UAE, Natalia Melnyk, began her foray into acting in the TV & Films industry by working with several top global brands such as Emirates Airlines, Dubai Municipality, BMW, Mercedes, Warner Bros World etc in TV, Films and social media ads.
She also acted in a short film produced by Dubai Police as part of the UAE SWAT CHALLENGE as well as a 1 minute film based on global warming called “Panic”, which secured second place in the climate change challenge.
Raaj spotted the emotional sensibilities and sincerity in her earlier acting performances and knew she would be perfect to portray the role of Natalia in the film “Calling”. This is their first film together and it has lead them to win 8 international main category awards globally including 4 Best Actress awards in Sweden, Malaysia, India & France.
©2024 Isabelle Rouault-Röhlich
