In the ever-evolving landscape of film and media, Jijo Sengupta stands out as a multifaceted luminary. With a passion for storytelling and a relentless drive to innovate, Jijo has carved a niche for himself as a Teacher, Producer, Filmmaker, and Entrepreneur. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s true calling.
Jijo Sengupta’s love for films began early in life. Fascinated by the power of visual storytelling, he pursued a BS in New Media and Interactive Technologies with a specialization in Films, followed by an MFA in Films from the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. This strong academic foundation set the stage for a career that would see him push the boundaries of filmmaking and education.
Jijo’s career is marked by notable achievements and accolades. As a Production Assistant at Illumination Entertainment (Universal Studios), he contributed to the blockbuster film “The Minions,” with his work making it to the final cut. His co-founding of AAJ Media Productions, with entities in the US and Singapore, allowed him to produce several short films and music videos that garnered over 30 nominations and awards at international film festivals such as Madrid International Film Festival, London Lift-Off, and Cannes International Film Festival.
One of Jijo’s significant accomplishments was producing and directing India’s first 2D animation movie for mature audiences in both Hindi and English. His work has made its presence felt on several OTT and VOD platforms like Amazon Prime, MX Player, and Pocket Films, further cementing his reputation as an innovative filmmaker.
Jijo’s journey has not been without its challenges. He categorizes these challenges into the “5 Ps”: Place, People, Pursuit, Passion, and Purpose.
Leaving home and studying in the US, thousands of miles away from his familiar surroundings, posed its own set of challenges. Jijo overcame these through sheer hard work and a dogmatic zeal to acclimate to the new environment. His ability to transform his mental model and embrace different attitudes to life turned potential apprehensions into thrilling adventures.
Building a diverse cohort of friends from various nationalities provided Jijo with a broader perspective on life. This multicultural exposure helped him become a polyglot, fluent in seven languages, and enriched his understanding of global cultures and filmmaking techniques.
Leaving a well-paid job to start his own venture was a leap of faith filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a range of emotions. Jijo’s love for films and his dedication to his craft saw him through the rejections and challenges, leading to numerous recognitions and a successful career.
Combining his profession with his passion, Jijo found the perfect blend for a fulfilling career. His dedication to filmmaking as a process and journey has allowed him to create impactful stories and inspire others.
Jijo’s philosophy revolves around living passionately in the present. He believes in making the most of “today,” which he calls “Let’s Make Today.” This mindset drives him to continually strive for excellence and impact.
Despite his achievements, Jijo remains humble about sharing wisdom. He believes in doing everything with love and passion. If one cannot do something with love, it’s better to find another path suited to their calling.
Looking ahead, Jijo envisions himself as a refreshingly new and engaging teacher, helping aspiring filmmakers reach their goals. He aims to build his personal brand and expand AAJ Media Productions around three pillars: becoming the go-to virtual academy for filmmakers, producing films for wide audiences of different genres and styles, and bringing entertainment into enterprises by telling their stories.
The Importance of Diverse Film Festivals(Opens in a new browser tab)
Jijo Sengupta’s journey is a bridge from dreams to the destination of becoming a filmmaker. His story is one of authenticity, competence, and capability. Through structured, systematic, engaging, and practical approaches, Jijo continues to inspire and educate, making significant contributions to the world of film and storytelling. His dedication to his craft and passion for teaching makes him a standout figure in the industry, poised to leave a lasting impact on the future of filmmaking.