JB Ghuman Jr – paSSive poWer

By starrymag | November 25, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) You are the writer, director and star of paSSive poWer. What is the significance of the capitalization of only a few letters in the title?

 

A) I tend to write my project titles as if the words are written with “Seismic Energy.” So, I don’t know, given how the project is aimed at a power that is beneath all the things we consider “ourselves,” felt it looked appropriate to seismically write it out that way. As if said energy beneath is kinda “pushing up” as it flows.

 

Q) Were you always in mind to handle so much of the workload for the film – being behind and in front of the camera?

 

A) I am. I mean, it really all depends on the budget and situation. At times, even with a budget and team, I prefer to be alone for parts of the “behind the scenes” process given the intimacy it curates for me and, if I’m lucky, translates into the project for the viewer. Other times it’s truly just a grind as an indie artist / filmmaker and if I need to stack hats on my head to the point they literally start to tower, then I’ll do it. Whatever it takes to get the work done and out there. Like a Mad Hatter of expression. [laughs]

 

Q) The movie uses chanting, breathing and sensory and cerebral exploration. In what ways did you map out how you wanted each of these energies to play a role in bringing your vision to life?

 

A) Gosh… I mean I grew up a B-boy all my youth. Breakdance was a BIG role in my inner life. Meaning, I’d break by myself for hours in my childhood garage. Music blasting, I’d go on night after night creating my own moves. I was never that good, if I’m being honest. But it felt… amazing. Like I was floating. Later in life, things happen. Parents don’t live forever, we make dumb choices, others make dumb choices… and suddenly that feeling becomes the one thing that keeps me, like… I don’t know… myself. So, I kept “moving” in my own space at home. Alone. Shifted said movement into something new vs break dance, combined breathing, etc. So, when it came to telling this sort of “story/experience” I felt it’d help translate what I’m trying to convey.

 

Q) This was shot on the 11K Insta360 TITAN Camera. How did you decide this was the perfect format for the film?

 

A) I knew I’d need an amazing sensor on the camera given I planned on using UV light and lasers, so figured this camera would be my best shot. Can’t say enough about it! It really is the dopest!

 

Q) What were some challenges that arose for you during filming that surprised you?

 

A) Oye…Well, first off, if you want to film in real deal, pure 8K on top of 3D VR vs regular VR then add on it’s 360 vs 180… Gosh, you’re gonna need a monster of a system to edit. I had to actually wait until I could build a better system to even curate the world around me for over a year. I really didn’t think it’d be that hard until the day came.

 

Q) Were there specific moments you are most proud of how they appear on screen?

 

A) Um, I guess I’d say the laser part. I was super nervous. Like I said above, I dance alone in my home for personal reasons, so it was uber scary to just go out there in front of this massive crowd and like, just… jump around like I’ve got ants in my pants with music and lasers. I, honestly, didn’t think I could do it until the I just went out there and, well, did it. But I’m glad I did. I still feel like if I had a second go at it, I’d have done better, but alas that’s the magic of a one take shot.

 

Q) What do you hope people take away from watching paSSive poWer?

 

A) I’d hope they, once done, take off the headphones and ever so gentle start to look at their inner identities in a way that’s removed from all the “stuff” our reality can layer upon it. Not all bad and, of course, a lot of this “stuff” is beautiful. Gender, culture, religion, ethnicity, and so much more… all beautiful. But…underneath it… what are you? What are we? So, yeah, it’d be dope if the viewer gave that direction of pondering a go. For themselves and mostly for others around them.

 

Q) Are there plans to bring the movie to any upcoming film festivals before the end of the year?

 

A) Yes! I premiered in the AWARNESS FILM FESTIVAL here in the US. Then, just got back from the AESTHETICA FILM FESTIVAL in York, UK. Now off to Brazil to the MixBrasil Film Festival to do it there until Nov.25^th. After that, I’m currently awaiting on who’s next.

 

Q) As someone who felt like an oddball poet themselves in high school, how did those early writings formulate who you have become as a writer/director?

 

A) To be honest, such a feeling is still with me. Though I’m not bothered or even the slightest put off by it. I feel we all, if each of us think deep enough about it, feel removed and different. But it’s kinda beautiful. Like no matter the connections, each of us are this kind of solo universe, walking around. Bumping into each other. I’d say it’s had a massive impact on my craft as a storyteller overall. Pretty much every project I’ve done touches on such a perspective.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) Sigh… well, I’m a bit up to my eyebrows in stuff, but suuuuper stoked about it! I’ve got an animated short that’s awaiting it’s premiere somewhere, a book I’m releasing for sale, yet another VR film that stars Kelly Osbourne and a ton of other cool peeps I’m hoping to finally finished editing and get out to the masses next year.