Producer/Director Andrew Levine talks about the independent human rights documentary business, local Nepalese cuisine and the difficulties and dangers involved in making THE DAY MY GOD DIED.

What was the most difficult part of this film to make?

In the beginning, it was getting through the nightmares after spending all day listening to horrific stories of betrayal and physical torture.

In the end, it was seeing those who I have come to love like family die of AIDS.

Tell us about gaining access to the brothels. Were there any dangers or challenges in filming with spy cams, or for the men who went undercover as clients?

The most dangerous part of making the film was strapping the spy cam to yourself and walking through the brothels like you belong. First of all, we didn't belong, because we are not Indian men. We are white, six-foot-tall Americans. To say the least, we stuck out. In addition, to get a decent picture with the spy cam you need to keep your head very still since the camera is in the bridge of a pair of eyeglasses. As a result, to get a good shot you basically need to stare. That brings more attention to you. Needless to say, I won't be using a spy camera anytime soon. By the way, when you go into a brothel many times they lock the gate behind you as you enter so if you get caught with the camera… lights out!

The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated?

The independent film business is difficult, but the indie documentary business is even more difficult and then when you take on the indie human rights documentary film business, it is just insane. We obviously don't do it for the money. What motivates me are the stories of the young girls. So many unanswered prayers and so many betrayals left unaccounted for. My hope is that we have created a film that begins to paint a picture of what human beings are capable of. It is a story of repeated betrayals and yet, it reminds us of how resilient the human spirit is and can be.

Why did you choose to present your film on public television?

The honest answer to this question is not why did we choose PBS, but why did PBS choose us. There are so few outlets for documentary film in the U.S. that a filmmaker is lucky to find a national broadcaster…. That unfortunately is the situation these days.

What are your three favorite films?

My favorite films in recent years are Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Fahrenheit 9/11 and Life is Beautiful.

What didn't you get done when you were making your film?

Filming is always a constant battle of give and take, a never-ending compromise. Every day there would be something we didn't get done when filming that we would get down on, but just as often there would be inspirational moments that would be just amazing. When filming, I would try to focus not on what we didn't get, but parlay and add on to those truly remarkable moments that would come out of thin air. It is those moments that make the film a film.

If you weren't a filmmaker, what kind of work do you think you'd be doing?

Something that would have taken less time than making a four-year film and definitely more profitable.

What do you think is the most inspirational food for making independent film?

If you are filming in Nepal or India, it is definitely not the local cuisine of dal and rice. Beer is always safe in any country.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers?

Don't sit around waiting for someone else to give you your big break. Stand up, get inspired about something you care about and make it yourself.