This week, in the spotlight, we have Joshuah Heby, a young and exceptional artist, muralist, and filmmaker, who is the visionary behind Agna Film Productions.

1. How would you describe yourself, Joshuah Heby, to an audience meeting you for the very first time?

I’m curious. I’m a really curious artist. I’m always eager to learn and discover new things. Whenever I see something that interests me, I immediately start researching how it is done. I also love digging into history, anthropology, and spirituality. All of this curiosity feeds my art. My art is like a reflection of the interesting stuff I find during my research.

I think being an artist is about showing people what I see in the world, the way I see it. I’m the type of guy that would drag you to a mountaintop at a specific time and make you sit on a specific rock, on a specific angle just to let you see a distant mountain that’s shaped like a cat. Sharing my perspective with others is like inviting them into my head to see things from my point of view. 

1. What are some of the main things that have inspired and influenced your work as an artist?

My inspiration comes from things that make me feel strongly. It could be something like an event, a picture, a person, or even a specific sound or smell. I’m especially inspired by ancient buildings, statues, and paintings, as well as the stories and myths that go with them. The historical art from South Asia has had a big impact on my work.

I’ve also been influenced by movies and animations. I’m careful about what I watch because it adds to my visual ideas. I have a long list of artists and filmmakers who’ve inspired me. Some of them are Hayao Miyazaki, A. R. Rahman, David Fincher, Dali, Akira Kurosawa, and more.

1. Can you share an example of a particular artwork that holds special significance for you, and explain why?

There was this one artwork that sat in my gallery for more than three years until I finally decided it was the right time to show it to the world. It was an animated piece with our national flag. I took up a challenge to make something that would make people feel strongly and remember it.

I was studying how lions were shown in South Asian art and our national flag at that time. The message was simple: I wanted to show that we should be together, in a simple but meaningful way. So, I used the national flag as my canvas and started creating.

People had different opinions about it, some liked it a lot, and others didn’t. But one thing was clear; everyone had a strong reaction to it. The artwork went viral, and it got people talking about our national flag.

This artwork was special to me because it was the first time I saw how powerful art could be in communicating. It felt like being an artist let me talk to a lot of people, even though I’m not famous or have a lot of influence.

If you want to check out the animated version of the flag, download the app called Artivive, scan the Sri Lankan national flag – be it a picture or an original flag – and there you go!

1. Films can be powerful mediums for addressing social and cultural issues and also initiate change. Do you agree with this?

Absolutely. I agree. Films pack a punch when it comes to influence. They’re like a megaphone that can amplify important messages, be it about culture, health, or politics, to a vast audience like no other medium can.

My journey into the world of filmmaking started with a simple love for the artistry they bring to life on the screen. The way they can capture beauty, emotions, and stories is truly captivating. However, what truly motivated me to pursue a career in this field is the immense potential for filmmaking to act as a bridge between artists and the wider public.

1. How does AI (Artificial Intelligence) and other new technologies affect your art and filmmaking, and how do you preserve your creative independence while using them?

AI and new technologies have opened up fascinating avenues in both my art and filmmaking. They serve as valuable tools that enhance my creative process. For instance, AI-powered software can assist in generating ideas, automating certain tasks, and even adding unique elements to my work.

However, preserving my creative independence is crucial. I view these technologies as partners rather than directors. They help me realise my vision but don’t dictate it. My creative instincts always remain at the forefront, guiding how I use these tools. The key is to strike a balance, using technology to amplify my artistic expression while ensuring that the final result remains a genuine reflection of my unique perspective.

1. What do you think the future of filmmaking will be like, and how do you see yourself fitting into it?

The future of filmmaking holds immense promise. With the rapid advancement of technology, we’re entering an era of immersive and interactive storytelling. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive narratives are poised to become significant trends.

I see myself as an explorer in this evolving landscape, embracing new techniques and platforms to craft compelling stories. Whether it’s creating immersive virtual reality experiences, pioneering interactive storytelling, or continuing with traditional cinema, I aim to adapt and innovate. My goal is to remain on the cutting edge of creative exploration, always striving to engage audiences in fresh and meaningful ways.

1. As the director and the founder of Agna Film Productions, what excites you the most about the future of the company?

As the heart behind Agna Film Productions, what really gets me excited about our future is the amazing ride we’re on. Agna isn’t just a business; it’s a way for us to communicate important stories through films. My partner, Navayuga Kugarajah, and I started this company to make sure we represent a wide range of people and cultures in our work. We take that responsibility seriously, making sure our videos reflect the diverse world we live in.

What’s coming up for Agna Film Productions is super exciting. We’ve got not one, but two feature films in the works, each with its own special story and message. Looking ahead, we’re also planning to dive into Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual production, which could bring storytelling to a whole new level.

In a nutshell, I’m thrilled about Agna’s future because it means we can keep telling meaningful stories that connect people, make them think, and get them talking. It’s a journey that keeps us passionate and eager for what’s next.