Highlights
- Ron Kahlon is a rising filmmaker from Punjab now settled in Australia.
- Mr Kahlon says he found an 'aura of positivity' while working with iconic Aboriginal artist Uncle Jack Charles on his film 'The Seashell'.
- He says Indian-Torres Strait Islander artist Laila Thaker took his film ‘The Untold’ to another level.
Having migrated to Australia in 2014 and studied accounting and business, Mr Kahlon eventually chose a very different career path: making movies.
“I always wanted to write and share stories, and to promote the rich Punjabi culture with the rest of the world through movies,” Mr Kahlon told SBS Punjabi.
Initially, Mr Kahlon started with two music videos in Melbourne and then switched his focus to making short movies on burning social issues like domestic violence and climate change.
“While making movies, I always try to find and promote local talents of the land where I am living."
While searching for Australian talents for ‘The Seashell’, his 2020 short film touching on the topic of climate change, Mr Kahlon's paths crossed with the legendary actor Uncle Jack Charles, whose talent and dedication blew him away.
"So, I found Uncle Jack Charles, a well-known, multi-dimensional Aboriginal personality, who against my original perceptions was such an open-hearted, down-to-earth, welcoming and jolly personality to work with."
A young girl finds a seashell and holds it to her ear, expecting to hear peaceful ocean waves. Instead, she hears mother nature's disappointed son, Ricky, who's filling in for his busy mom. Source: Ron Kahlon
Aboriginal elder Uncle Jack Charles with Ron Kahlon and team while shooting for the film The Seashell. Source: Ron Kahlon
He said Uncle Charles was a perfect fit for the role, which required a deep connection with the Earth.
While planning for his second movie, ‘The Untold’ (2020), which is based on the concept of karma, Mr Kahlon forged a connection with Laila Thaker, a renowned artist of Indian and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
“Ms Thaker is a highly talented, hardworking and friendly artist who actually took my film to the next level.”
The Untold story performed by Indian Torres Strait Islander artist. Source: Ron Kahlon
While working with Ms Thaker, Mr Kahlon said he felt like he has known her for a long time.
“I have no words to describe my pleasant working experience with both of these Indigenous artists,” Mr Kahlon said.
Budding film maker who worked closely with Aboriginal Australians in his movies on social issues. Source: Ron Kahlon
Listen to the audio by clicking on 'Speaker' in the photo above.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
