We recently connected with Vishaal Desai and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vishaal, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Writer’s block—or any creative block— can be a crippling experiences for an artist. As a writer, I’ve encountered it more times than I can count and I’m certain I’ll face it many more times in my career. I would love to say there is a foolproof method to overcome it, but the truth is, writer’s block is as subjective as the writer’s own perspective. Some days, staring at a blank page on the screen feels like gazing into an abyss; other times, the inability to create leads me down an internet rabbit hole into a wonderland of useless information.
Over the years, I’ve tried countless ways to break through creative stagnation—sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. But ultimately, the goal is to step back and gain an objective perspective. Watching a movie often helps—sometimes one that aligns with the genre or theme I’m working on, other times something completely different to reset. Engaging in other art forms, such as music, can also spark inspiration. At times, leaving the comfort (or confinement) of my workspace and immersing myself in a social setting—a museum visit, a café, or a bar—has helped jog the creative wheel.
Beyond these distractions, I also turn to writing exercises that I have specifically designed to help me find “the zone.” And then there’s music—one of my most powerful tools. For instance, whilst writing a Sci-fi / fantasy script a few years ago, I immersed myself in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ soundtrack. On another occasion, I employed classic ‘70s and ‘80s horror scores whilst trying to flesh out a horror story. The right sounds are capable of transporting me into the world I’m trying to create.
But the reality is, often none of these methods work—and that’s okay. It took me a long time to learn to cut myself some slack, to accept that shutting shop for the day and trying again tomorrow, or the day after, can be just as valuable as burning the midnight oil. Creativity isn’t something you can force; it’s a delicate balance between discipline and allowing space for ideas to breathe.
Ultimately, overcoming creative blocks is a deeply personal process—what works for one may not work for another. But if there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s this: give yourself permission to step away when you need to. Art is a symbiotic relationship between the creator and their creation, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is let the story find its way to you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Vishaal Desai, and I am a storyteller – or at least that’s how I see myself. While I work professionally as a writer, director and editor, storytelling is more than just a career—it is my lens for understanding the world, both around and within. Born and raised in the city of Mumbai, I have dedicated my career to crafting emotionally compelling visual narratives. I believe that stories are the threads that connect us, revealing the beauty and struggles that shape our shared human experience.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of directing and editing the award-winning documentary feature ‘Uniting Through Yoga,’ which streamed on Amazon, and producing the Asian Academy Award-winning TV show ‘Bhak.’ While I am grateful for the recognition these projects have received, what truly matters to me is the deeply human stories they brought to life.
Currently, I have just finished shooting my latest short film, ‘Clothes on Our Backs’ (Co-Written with my friend Sean Altuna). This film explores the power of perception and how it shapes the way we treat one another. It follows the story of Brad Orchard, a fashion entrepreneur who judges others based on outward appearances. But after an unsettling encounter with an unhoused woman, he realises that the people around him are vanishing—leaving behind nothing but their clothes. I have always been fascinated by the way personal experience colors perspective, and my vision for this film is to examine the profound impact of perception on prejudice, revealing how the smallest details can determine acceptance or rejection. The film is now in post-production, with the aim to launch into the festival circuit in the latter half of this year.
At the heart of my work is a desire to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level—to make them feel seen, understood, and inspired. This philosophy guides everything I do, ensuring that every project resonates with authenticity and purpose.
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?
Over the years, my journey as a filmmaker has taught me that resilience is the most valuable skill one can develop. The ability to weather change, adapt, and pivot when needed has been crucial to my growth. When COVID hit and projects disappeared overnight, I had to reassess my path. Leaning into my editing skills, I freelanced as a video editor, which not only kept me afloat, but also reignited my passion for storytelling through post-production. That realization led me to the U.S. to pursue a Masters in Editing at DePaul University. Now, two years later, I’m back on my feet as a freelance director-editor and working on my next film.
Equally important is passion. Without a deep love for my craft and for storytelling, I wouldn’t have been able to sustain myself in a career that is often unpredictable and challenging. Passion is what keeps you going when things don’t go as planned, pushing you to create despite obstacles.
Finally, my affinity towards film history, literature, and mythology has not only shaped my creative sensibilities, but also provided constant inspiration. One of my earliest influences was Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Hero with a Thousand Faces,’ a comparative study of mythologies that helped me understand the universal power of storytelling.
For those just beginning their journeys, my advice is simple: don’t be disheartened by failure or slow progress. The greatest assets you can cultivate are patience and perseverance. External circumstances may be beyond your control, but how you respond to them is entirely up to you.
My own journey has been full of twists, but each one has shaped me into the filmmaker I am today — passionate, resilient, and (hopefully) a little wiser. So keep creating, keep learning, and trust that every twist in the road is shaping you into the artist you are meant to become.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Filmmaking is, at its heart, a deeply collaborative art form, and I am always eager to connect with passionate, like-minded individuals who bring stories to life.
As a writer-director, I have several concepts I am eager to develop, but none of them can come to fruition without the collaboration of skilled creative professionals. At this stage, I am particularly looking for producers who are interested in partnering with me to shape these projects and see them through to execution. One of these is a sci-fi/horror film based on ‘Brain Freeze,’ a proof-of-concept short I directed last year. Another is a family drama/satire—a deeply personal story that I am excited to bring to the screen.
In addition to this, I am also looking to form a writers group as a creative support system—a space where we can connect, brainstorm, and potentially collaborate on original projects together. Writing can be a solitary process, but I believe that sharing ideas, providing feedback, and fostering a sense of community can be invaluable in pushing creative work forward.
If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach me on Instagram at @v1shfilms or via email at vdesai@vishaaldesai.com. I’d love to connect and explore the possibilities of working together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vishaaldesai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v1shfilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vish83
- Other: IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm2925060
Image Credits
Emily Broderick
Lawrence Q Hu
Kyle Anne Grendys
Gianna Clarke
Srikar Rao
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.