Creating Realities Through Film: Monica Suriyage’s Vision
Beneath the dazzling surface of Monica Suriyage’s vibrant, candy-colored world lies a chilling darkness. This filmmaker, a descendant of Dominican and Sri Lankan heritage, weaves unsettling tales that explore the anxieties of the modern age – from the insidious nature of gentrification to the chilling echoes of the past.
In this exclusive interview, Monica Suriyage reveals the unsettling truths that fuel their unique vision. From the folklore that haunts their dreams to the vibrant aesthetics that mask a deeper unease, we delve into the mind of a filmmaker who dares to confront the shadows lurking beneath the surface of our reality.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Given your diverse background (Dominican/SriLankan, immigrant parents), how has your cultural heritage influenced your filmmaking style and the stories you choose to tell?
Both of the cultures my parents come from are extremely colorful and lively. They brought these traits with them to the US, and my childhood home is bursting with color. This has definitely influenced my filmmaking style. I love working with bright colors and distinct color palettes to help tell a story. I’m also so inspired by the folklore from Sri Lanka and la Republica Dominicana. Folklore is a window into how culture explains trauma, and I’m fascinated by the literal stories, like la ciguapa, and the bigger picture they are telling. I want to bring these stories to more audiences from a horror film point of view. While supportive of my work my parents don’t really love horror movies, so I’m not totally sure where that part of my personality comes from. Perhaps a rejection of growing up wearing a uniform.
You’ve worked across various platforms( film, television, online video). What are the unique challenges and rewards of each medium?
I’m so grateful for my job working in digital media because it allows me to keep my creative muscles sharp in between and during film projects. I’m currently a video producer at BuzzFeed’s PeroLike and it has helped me really dive into Latino culture and feel supported by other Latine creators. This community of Latin creativity is so inspiring. The other edge of that sword is staying motivated to keep working on my own projects. When I’ve worked a long day on set for digital media, it can be hard to go home and keep working on a script or pitch deck. I’m the only one who can hold myself accountable to meet personal deadlines, but in the end the reward of booking the next film or music video is worth the evenings I spend at the computer.
Making films and music videos is special because it’s a much bigger production with a lot more people involved, which means more minds to collaborate with, but also a bigger group to let down if things don’t turn out how we wanted (which hasn’t really happened yet but the fear is there!) Filmmaking is an incredibly expensive medium, so to get to the point where we’re finally on set and rolling a lot of money and effort has been spent. So when I’m directing I want everyone involved to be proud of the project. There’s a lot more prep involved and shoots move so fast, but in the end the stories I get to tell in films make it all very worth it.
Your work often blends horror with vibrant aesthetics (like”pink”). Can you discuss your artistic vision and how these seemingly contradictory elements come together?
I’m always conflicted between how real life is and what I think it should be. I tend to think things should be pink. So whenever it makes sense for the story I’m telling, they are (which honestly is not as often as I would like.) You know that woman whose entire house and wardrobe is pink and she even eats pink food? That’s me in my head. I like horror that has a sense of mania. Mania goes hand in hand with being obsessed with one color, specifically pink and what it represents. Usually pink means ladylike, polite, orderly, demure. I like it best when it doesn’t mean any of those things. When neon pink means danger and pastel pink wallpaper is concealing bodies rotting in the walls, I feel balanced. Bringing these elements together is for me is an effective visual nod to the human condition without saying any words.
How did your experience working on projects like “Horror Noire” and “Give Me An A” shape your understanding of the importance of representation and social commentary in horror?
I’m very fortunate to have been part of Horror Noire and Give Me An A. Both projects demand attention for subjects that mainstream film audiences tend to ignore. Horror Noire is a culmination of over a century of filmmaking. I’m honored to be part of the history of Black horror cinema. My carrying of the torch of Black horror is to tell stories from across the Black diaspora, specifically from my Afro Latina perspective. We have to push for our stories ourselves and vouch for their relevance within the wider cinema conversation.
Give Me An A was made in direct response to Roe v. Wade being overturned. It was a battle cry, a reminder that people who aren’t men won’t roll over and accept laws designed to hurt us. Social commentary can be folded into chilling images or shocking plot points that mirror real life more than audiences may want to admit. It’s important to me that my work can be scary or funny or silly, but also say something larger about social dynamics, race, and my place in society.
“La Ciguapa Siempre” had a successful festival run and is now on Netflix. What were the biggest challenges and rewards of bringing this project to life?
Honestly it’s been mostly rewards! I learned so much making this film, and while I’ve grown a lot as a filmmaker since 2021 I’ll always be proud of the work we did on this. I’m also so grateful to the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival for seeing the film through all the way to getting it on Netflix. The best part has been the response to the film from my communities. I’ve received so many messages from Black women and other Afro-Latinas who feel seen in the film. That’s who I made it for. Contrary a challenge for my ego has been watching white audiences not get it. Not that I expected them to, but it’s been a lesson in not reading bad reviews. But at least that means they’re watching!
What inspired your reimagining of “The Adventures of Robin Hood” for Warner Bros. Discovery? How are you putting your unique stamp on this classic tale?
When I was thinking of my pitch for the film the first thing that popped in my head was Robina’s, an Indian restaurant we used to go to all the time. It was a family run restaurant and their kids were always in the dining area doing their homework. The second thing to pop in my head was “eat the rich.” Lastly, the Robin Hood bar “steal from the rich give to the poor” in modern day to me speaks to the harm gentrification is causing black and brown communities.
All of these ideas led to what we called “Robina Saves the Hood” which became “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Making the family in the film the same cultural mix as my real family is something I’ve always wanted to do. I like to remind people that mixed race doesn’t always mean white and something else. I loved visiting my family in NYC growing up so setting it there with a colorful, family run bodega battling a gray gentirfier new grocery are all of those initial ideas blended nicely, and really feels very me.
What are you most excited about for the future of your career? Are there any specific genres or projects you’re eager to explore?
I’m ready to keep it moving! I’m really hoping to make a feature version of La Ciguapa Siempre as my first horror feature film. A version of the script is written and I’m hoping after the response it’s received on Netflix there will be interest for it. I have other horror projects I’m very excited about and scripts I’m gearing up to send out. I also hope to continue making music videos for artists whose music I love. I hope to keep collaborating with a team that inspires me and spending some time really digging horror. After that I really love musicals and have ideas for one, for someday. Hopefully opportunities I haven’t even considered will soon present themselves.
Who are some of your biggest filmmaking influences? How have they shaped your approach to storytelling and visual style?
Wow hard question! An early influence is Dario Argento, particularly Suspiria. That is the first time I remember seeing bright color and horror mixed together. Most films from the giallo era of Italian cinema are aspirational when it comes to pacing and suspense. I’m also a huge fan of Hype Williams. He’s done some of the most iconic and boundary pushing music videos in hip hop, and Belly is a visual masterpiece. The colorful world of violence he created still leaves me speechless. I frequently reference it when I’m brainstorming. Any film school bro will probably say Michel Gondry but his ability to sofly subvet “reality” into things previously reserved for dreams like makes me cry. Who isn’t influenced by his films I wonder. I also look to anything made by Gina Prince-Bythewood. She excels at subverting the stereotypes that surround black women and instead emphasizes women forging their own path. I always hope to do the same in my own work.
What is your creative process like? How do you develop your ideas and bring them to the screen?
I always start with my color palette. When I’m working on a pitch the colors come first and that informs everything after that. I try to assemble a team as soon as possible. Their perspective helps me determine what is doable, not doable, and where we can try to push the limits. I also make a written shot list that everyone can look at, even though some of the shot descriptions might only make sense to me. I’m learning more about prep all the time so I’ll be implementing some new practices for my next project. With actors I always want to see what naturally comes to them first, then go from there. Often their instincts make the most sense. It’s all collaborative. I really shy away from the idea of “a film by me” because films exist because of many creative people coming together. It’s important for me to keep that communal spirit front and center.
How do you think fashion and style can be used as a form of self-expression and storytelling? Are there particular fashion designers or trends that inspire you?
Fashion in storytelling and film is so powerful. It can tell you all about a character without them saying a word. How they see themselves, their culture, their likes or dislikes, and so much more. I wore a uniform until I was eighteen so I feel like I’m making up for lost time when it comes to clothes. I’m obsessed with putting together outfits and sometimes treat my sets like a fashion show. Right now I’m very into the Boccinelli handbags. I want one so bad. I’m about to drop money I do not have for one. While I would never buy one, it’s also been fun following the Wirkin on TikTok. I love how it’s decreasing the value of the Birkin and what it represents. Would love to see more giant corporate luxury items take a hit like that.
You’ve mentioned your love for “pretty scary things.” How do you find the balance between beauty and terror in your work?
I think terror can be beautiful. That moment where a character’s last bits of perceived humanity are stripped away and they’re left with no choice but to plunge into something unknown, that’s beautiful. Specifically, the look on that character’s face is beautiful. Although more literally I do like a frilly, pink, feminine scene with some blood splashed across it. That’s the definition of pretty to me. I guess what I’m saying is the balance between beauty and terror is inherent. Life is beautiful. And terrifying.
Be prepared to not get paid for your work for quite some time. I’ve been at this for ten years and have made not a lot of money from filmmaking. Filmmaking is an art form we do because we love it but you know, we gotta live. So find a day job that can support you while you make your films. Any job that pays enough to live works, but ideally something with some flexibility. Also maybe this goes without saying, but keep making things. Make a spec commercial, reach out to artists you like and ask if they need a music video, or make one for your favorite song. Write a short film and shoot it on the weekends. Make something, then another one, and another one.
