We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Smahi Anand a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Smahi , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
To keep my creativity alive, I constantly challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone. I find that when I’m faced with new challenges, it encourages me to think differently and push the boundaries of my creativity. By embracing unfamiliar experiences, I can discover fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that keep my work exciting and dynamic.
Another key strategy is collaborating with other creatives. Working with individuals who bring unique approaches and diverse viewpoints opens up new possibilities and enriches my own creative process. Through these collaborations, I gain valuable insights and learn from others’ methods, which helps me expand my own creative toolkit.
In addition to collaborations, I also make a conscious effort to engage with different cultures, art forms, and genres. This broader exposure keeps me inspired and allows me to infuse my work with fresh elements and varied influences.
To further fuel my creativity, I find it important to set aside time for reflection and introspection. This personal time allows me to connect with my inner self, assess my artistic journey, and identify areas where I can evolve and grow. Ultimately, it helps me stay true to my vision while continuously striving to improve my craft.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I come Noida, India, and my journey is deeply connected to my family’s story. Before I was born, my father worked in the film industry and had dreams of becoming a filmmaker. However, he had to set aside his aspirations to focus on our family business and support our family. His unfulfilled dream of filmmaking became a source of inspiration for me, and I decided to pursue that dream myself.
Growing up, I was captivated by Bollywood films and the magic they brought to the screen. This passion ignited my desire to explore the world of filmmaking, where I could blend storytelling with visual creativity. Alongside my love for film, I also found myself deeply engrossed in painting, which allowed me to express my emotions and thoughts on canvas. These dual passions inspired me to become a filmmaker, combining the best of both worlds to bring my visions to life. Through my work, I strive to tell meaningful stories and create impactful, visually stunning art.
I’m a writer and director, and my true joy comes from being on a film set. My passion lies in crafting stories that resonate deeply with audiences, evoking emotions and fostering connections. A few years ago, I created a short film called “Daffodils,” which has been showcased at various film festivals and earned significant acclaim. It recently won three awards at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema, including Best Short Film and the Producer’s Choice Award.
Next month, “Daffodils” will be screening at the prestigious TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as part of the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, a major milestone in my career. This recognition inspires me to continue creating impactful films that leave a lasting impression.
Recently, I have been focusing on exploring female-centric films, as I believe there are critical issues that need to be addressed and brought to light. Last month, I had the opportunity to direct my short film “The Silent Cycle” in Bombay. The film tackles the taboos surrounding menstruation in Indian households, an issue I feel deeply connected to and passionate about.Through my work, my main goal is to spark open conversations about these important topics and drive positive change in society. By telling stories that resonate and challenge perspectives, I hope to contribute to a broader understanding and awareness of these issues.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are:
Passion and Persistence-My journey in storytelling and filmmaking has been deeply fueled by my unwavering passion for the craft. Since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the power of storytelling to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire change. This passion has been the guiding light that has propelled me forward, even in the face of adversity.
There have been countless moments when challenges and setbacks threatened to derail my path. Yet, it was my deep-rooted passion for storytelling that ignited a fire within me, driving me to persevere, overcome obstacles, and keep pushing forward. Whether it was navigating the complexities of the industry, facing rejection, or encountering creative roadblocks, my passion served as a constant reminder of why I embarked on this journey in the first place.
.Empathy and Authenticity: For me, connecting with my audience starts with empathy and authenticity in storytelling. When I immerse myself in my characters’ experiences and emotions, I can genuinely understand their perspectives and convey them in a way that resonates with viewers. This process allows me to create narratives that touch on universal themes and evoke deep, personal connections. In my work, I strive to capture the complexities of the human experience with honesty and integrity. Whether I’m exploring a character’s challenges or moments of joy, I aim to depict these stories authentically, respecting the nuances and truths of their journeys. This approach helps me build trust with my audience, as they can sense when a story is told with care and sincerity.
Above all, enjoying what you do is crucial. When you genuinely love your work, it fuels your creativity and provides you with a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction. Finding joy in your craft makes the journey more fulfilling and rewarding, as it transforms your work from just a job into a passion that you look forward to each day.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace curiosity, take risks, and never stop learning. Seek out opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge, whether through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creatives who can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and your passion, and never lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place. And yes, don’t forget to enjoy the process!
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Looking back at myself 12 months ago, I’ve experienced significant growth both personally and professionally. I’ve learned from my mistakes in my earlier films and used those lessons to improve my craft. This reflective approach has allowed me to embrace risks and step outside my comfort zone, resulting in more innovative and impactful storytelling.
One notable highlight was my ability to film my thesis project in Bombay. This experience was incredibly enriching, allowing me to immerse myself in a vibrant setting and tell a story that deeply resonated with me. It was a journey that taught me a lot about adaptability and collaboration.
I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of talented people, which has enriched my creative process and helped me grow as a filmmaker. By working with others who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, I’ve been able to expand my understanding of different aspects of the craft.
Another significant milestone has been the film festivals for my premiere film, “Daffodils.” The experience of showcasing my work at festivals has been deeply rewarding and provided me with invaluable exposure and feedback. Seeing my film resonate with audiences and being recognized with awards has been both motivating and affirming.
Overall, this past year has been transformative for me. By embracing both successes and setbacks as opportunities to learn and evolve, and by collaborating with others, I’ve become a more confident and capable storyteller. This growth has set the stage for me to take on even more ambitious projects in the future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @smahianand
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/smahianand
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@smahianand6097
