KATTI (Unfriend)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
We’d love your support to tell this heartfelt story of an 8-year-old girl discovering the quiet weight of gender bias. It’s about finding strength in sisterhood and sparking change through understanding. Together, we can bring this important story to life and start conversations that matter.
KATTI (Unfriend)
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $10,550 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
46 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
We’d love your support to tell this heartfelt story of an 8-year-old girl discovering the quiet weight of gender bias. It’s about finding strength in sisterhood and sparking change through understanding. Together, we can bring this important story to life and start conversations that matter.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
I am the middle child in a traditional North Indian family, where the birth of a boy was seen and celebrated as essential. When my brother was born, the joy and pride in the family were unlike anything I had ever seen. If I had been born a boy, my parents would not have had a third child—and that realization has always stayed with me.
Growing up, I felt adrift in the chaos of our household. My mother had to care for everyone, leaving little room for the attention I craved. I wasn’t a boy, and I wasn’t old enough to be taken seriously, which made me feel invisible. My elder sister and I were always at odds—our fights left me frustrated, convinced I wasn’t good enough for her approval. And when she left for boarding school, the house felt emptier, and I felt lonelier than ever.
Amid all this, I idolized my father—he was respected and admired, everything I wanted to be. I dressed like him, got haircuts like his, and even wished I could use the men’s bathroom. Acting out became my way of trying to prove that I mattered in a family where I often felt overlooked.
KATTI reflects how deeply children perceive the unspoken dynamics around them. What they internalize—feelings of rejection, loneliness, and longing—shapes their sense of self and lingers into adulthood, quietly molding who they become.
KATTI is a deeply personal short film depicting a longstanding prejudice in our society.
Even today, a large number of families in India, and many other parts of the world, prefer sons over daughters. Such discrimination often stays unspoken even within more "progressive" families who raise their daughters to be ambitious and successful, but its impacts upon the children who are caught up in the web of veiled misogyny are very often deep and lasting.
The word KATTI in Hindi, can be loosely translated to "un-friend". Children use it often to indicate a decision to go no-contact with a friend, family or peer in case of a disagreement or falling out. These conflicts can be playful or dead serious, depending on the situation. Bittoo's story involves an external and internal conflict that encapsulates both the volatile nature of childhood bonds as well as the lifelong impressions they leave on us.
Stories of girl children, especially those told by women, have always been underrepresented in media. KATTI will be a film written, produced and directed by women, reflecting experiences shared by a cast and crew from diverse backgrounds. Our pre-production is at full-power with a fantastic crew composed of Chapman University graduate students as well as external collaborators based outside of the US.
For all of these reasons, it is extremely important for us for us to tell this story.
The story opens with Bittoo, an 8-year-old girl, navigating the emotional turbulence of growing up in a bustling joint family. We meet Bittoo as she watches her family gear up for the ritual celebration of Kuan Pujan - performed exclusively to honour the birth of a son. She shares a complex bond with her younger sister, Mitthoo, and the newly born baby boy Golu, whose arrival shifts the family’s dynamics. The script explores themes of loneliness, sibling rivalry, and gender bias, as Bittoo struggles to find her place amidst the chaos.
As her father dotes on Golu and her mother is overwhelmed by caregiving, Bittoo's longing for attention and acknowledgment becomes more pronounced by her conflict with Mitthoo, who is hiding a secret of her own. Bittoo's emotional journey intensifies as she grapples with her feelings of inadequacy and displacement within the family structure. Meanwhile, Golu's presence subtly underlines the preferential treatment often afforded to male children, highlighting the ingrained gender biases that shape Bittoo’s world.
A still from Joyland (2022)
As Bittoo contemplates her own desires for escape, she must confront her internal conflict: wanting to be recognized and wanting to protect her sister. The script delicately portrays Bittoo’s emotional growth, drawing attention to the complicated relationships between siblings, parents, and gender expectations in an Indian family.
KATTI's directorial inspirations come from the films of Pedro Almodovar, Asghar Farhadi and Vishal Bhardwaj - vibrant colours interspersed with long silences and small gestures reflecting hidden, layered emotions.
Stills from Joyland (2022), A Seperation (2011) and Polite Society (2023)
Our cinematography will be measured and fluid, evoking feelings of intimacy and isolation through carefully contrasted wide shots and close ups. As the camera follows our young protagonist through crowded spaces of celebration, we will immerse our audiences into an lively Indian household through carefully planned production design depicting the clutter and the freedom that makes up the world of children. We are sourcing a majority of costumes and props from India for accurate representation and to evoke the nostalgia of a bittersweet past. We will casting Hindi-speaking South Asians who can speak in authentic Indian accents in all roles to maintain authenticity. Our film score will use gradually building textures and vocals to underline the complex emotional arc of the characters. We will incorporate Indian instruments like the flute and the sarangi. the longing for an escape and the hope for reconciliation.
Our fundraising goal is to raise $10,000 to bring the vision of "Katti (Unfriend)" to life. These funds will cover essential costs such as hiring talented cast and crew, renting equipment, providing catering, and securing authentic costumes from India that reflect the cultural essence of the story. Additionally, we plan to source unique production design materials that will enhance the film’s atmosphere and authenticity. Every contribution will help us create a truly immersive and impactful film experience. Your support is crucial in making this project a reality.
Fundraising Breakdown for $10,000:
- Cast - $1,500: Supporting talented performers to bring authenticity and depth to our characters.
- Studio Teacher for Minors - $1,800: Ensuring a safe and enriching environment for our young actors while meeting educational requirements.
- Crew (Camera, Make up Artist) - $1600: Enhancing the visual storytelling with professional makeup tailored to our characters.
- Equipment Rentals - $2,300: Accessing state-of-the-art cameras, lighting, and sound gear to capture the film’s essence.
- Costume from India (wardrobe essentials) - $600: Procuring authentic costumes that reflect the cultural and emotional nuances of the story.
- Catering and Craft Services - $1,200: Providing nourishing meals and snacks for the hardworking cast and crew on set.
- Production Design - $1,000: Creating an immersive and visually striking world that brings the story to life.
Stretch Goals:
If we're fortunate enough through your support for this film, we would like to stretch our fundraising goals to $12,500. The extra $2500 will go towards our sound design budget that involves paying the crew for sound design, music composition, vocals, sound mixing and more.
We appreciate your time and willingness to read through our crowdfunding page! We would be grateful for any amount listed out in the incentive cards that you would wish to contribute! Your donation will be vital for telling this story in the way it deserves to be told and reaching as many people as possible. Aside from donating, you can also help us by sharing this page with your friends and family or on your social media.
Finally, don't forget to follow us on Instagram @kattithefilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Studio Teacher cost
Costs $1,800
As we have minors in our production, having a teacher on set is a state requirement. This is the minimum cost to hire one for six days.
Crew
Costs $1,600
To make sure we bring professionals on for specific tasks like Make up artist, Costume designer and key Camera crew positions.
Equipment
Costs $2,300
Even though we have our Camera sorted, there a lot of other equipment required for lighting, grip and electric, steadicam, sound, etc.
Costume
Costs $600
We are bringing authentic costume from India to maintain visual quality and make sure the film is deeply rooted in the Indian culture.
Catering for crew
Costs $1,200
To feed our film crew properly with healthy food while they are hard at work trying to bring this story to life!
Production Design
Costs $1,000
We are creating India in LA. Every set piece visible in the frame will play a very important role to keep it real and authentic.
Cast
Costs $1,500
Will help us Pay the actors who are putting in the effort to make this movie for us.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director
Kanishka is a seasoned acting coach and filmmaker with a versatile background spanning acting, assistant directing, and mentoring. Currently pursuing an MFA in Film Direction at Chapman University, Kanishka is committed to both personal and professional growth. Her deep interest in human psychology and its impact on creativity has led her to study Neuro Linguistic Programming and attend a Creativity Research course at Harvard University. She also completed a screenwriting course at NYU Tisch School of Arts.
Kanishka has coached acclaimed Indian celebrities and worked with renowned directors contributing to notable productions such as "The Rapist,"(Busan International Film Festival) "Agra," (Cannes Film Festival) and “Bombay Begums" (Netflix). As a director, she is drawn to telling complex, character-driven stories that explore the intricacies of human behavior and relationships. Through her work, she seeks to offer audiences a deeper understanding of those often misunderstood, approaching challenging characters and situations with empathy and nuance. Kanishka’s films aim to foster compassion and provoke thought, inviting viewers to connect with the humanity in even the most difficult of circumstances.
Producer
Wenfeng is a producer from Chapman University’s production program. She has produced the films “Sparkle Pets” and “Donuts”. She is a storyteller and believes that storytelling is the foundation of a movie and that all departments are in the service of storytelling. She is very responsible for the projects she works on and wants everyone involved to have an enjoyable experience.
Writer
Ever since her childhood, Akshita has been a storyteller. From doing theatre and improv in school to writing for United Nations’ Voices of Youth, she has used different mediums to use her voice and talk about things that matter to her. After completing her bachelor's degree in engineering from Delhi, Akshita decided to switch gears and reconnect with the writer in her by pursuing a Master's degree in Screenwriting from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. She combines this American education with her Indian roots to create stories and characters uniquely Indian but with a universality that could resonate with any audience. She continues to explore the expansive world of storytelling with a special interest in bringing Indian characters to the fore.
Camera Operator
Kuo is a Taiwanese cinematographer. He started learning from industry professionals at the age of 10 and began his career as a camera operator for local studios. Over the past decade, he has worked on shorts, documentaries, music videos, and commercials in Taiwan. After graduating with an MFA from Chapman University, where he learned from leading industry cinematographers, Kuo was selected as one of four cinematographers for ColorCreative’s Find Your People Program 2024 cohort, during which he shot a short film executive produced by Issa Rae. His work has been showcased at renowned film festivals, including the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Out On Film: Atlanta’s LGBTQ Film Festival. Additionally, he earned the Best Cinematography award at the annual SoCal Film Awards. Kuo aims to create authentic realities that deeply resonate with audiences, translating the director’s vision into visually captivating narratives.
Editor
Danny is a detail-oriented post-production artist specializing in film editing and photography. His work blends an eye for narrative storytelling with precision. Inspired by his experiences as a person on the Autism Spectrum, Danny uses storytelling to foster connection and explore artistic expression.
Production Designer
Rohini is a production designer with a background in architecture and international production. After 2 years working as an architect in India, Rohini pursued a postgraduate degree in world-building at SCI-Arc in LA. Since then, Rohini has collaborated with notable production designers including Oscar-nominated Guy Hendrix Dyas, Inbal Weinberg & David Lazan working as a researcher and digital asset manager in their art department. In India, Rohini art directed, and assistant art directed on feature films for major production houses such as RSVP and Benares Mediaworks that are streaming on Netflix (Bheed), Prime (Dear Father) and Zee5 (Despatch) after global theatrical releases.She has also independently designed over 15 short films, multiple music videos, ads, and an indie feature, with several projects featured in global festivals. Most recently, Rohini was a production design fellow in Color Creative’s Find Your People Program and designed a short film executive produced by Issa Rae.
Sound Designers
After attending a sound workshop conducted by Randy Thom in India, Karthik Mohan MPSE was inspired to learn more about film sound and moved to the USA. He was nominated for an MPSE Golden Reel Verna Fields Award and was also a 2x nominee for the CAS Student Recognition Award. Karthik started his professional career as a Los Angeles based sound effects editor 4 years ago and has since worked on a variety of feature films both in Hollywood and Indian cinema. His notable sound editing work includes the big budget blockbuster Indian films Jawan, Jigarthanda Double X, Indian 2 and recent festival hits like Max Dagan, Paper Flowers, Four Samosas. He has also worked on the musical Long December, war documentary Interpreters Wanted, along with digital content for Samsung, Levis, Rhode Skin and for shows like The Wheel of Time and Hanna. His work has featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, AMC+, PBS and has also played prestigious festivals like Festival De Cannes, Tribeca Film Festival, IFFR – Rotterdam among others. He is grateful to have a great group of mentors and supervisors who continue to support his journey and his quest to keep learning more.
Kevin is an LA-based Dialogue Editor and Re-recording Mixer. Having grown up in Singapore, his curiosity for film ultimately brought him to LA. In the past three years since starting his professional career, he has worked on feature films from Hollywood to Bollywood. His most recent accolade is his work on Jawan, one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Aside from sound editing, he enjoys picking up production gigs from time to time to satisfy his desire to be on set and interact with other filmmakers.
Production Sound Mixer
Aki is an LA-based Production Sound Mixer. [SOUND SPEED]
1st AD
John has been involved in the creative arts for as long as he can remember. From illustration to filmmaking, he has always sought the best medium for self-expression. While at UCCS, John wrote, directed, and produced several short films. His undergraduate thesis film, Los Perdidos, was a finalist for Best Short Film, Best Director, and Best Production Design at Indie Short Fest in 2022. At Chapman University, he has focused on developing his cinematic voice while emphasizing underrepresented voices in film.
Creative Consultant & Crowdfunding Lead
Saranya is a producer, writer and sound designer originally from Kolkata. She holds an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Manchester and has assisted on National Award winning feature films in India. Following her MFA in Film and TV Production from USC in 2020, she worked as a writer and producer with Jugaad Motion Pictures in Mumbai, across a wide range of content including film, webseries, commercials and music videos. As a producer/director, her documentary and narrative shorts have screened at multiple festivals worldwide. As a sound designer, she has worked on critically acclaimed films that have shown at Tribeca, Fantasia and Hollyshorts among other festivals. Saranya aims to tell and/or support socially significant, research-backed stories driven by underrepresented voices in media. She divides her time between India and the US, and is currently based in Los Angeles.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE STORY
I am the middle child in a traditional North Indian family, where the birth of a boy was seen and celebrated as essential. When my brother was born, the joy and pride in the family were unlike anything I had ever seen. If I had been born a boy, my parents would not have had a third child—and that realization has always stayed with me.
Growing up, I felt adrift in the chaos of our household. My mother had to care for everyone, leaving little room for the attention I craved. I wasn’t a boy, and I wasn’t old enough to be taken seriously, which made me feel invisible. My elder sister and I were always at odds—our fights left me frustrated, convinced I wasn’t good enough for her approval. And when she left for boarding school, the house felt emptier, and I felt lonelier than ever.
Amid all this, I idolized my father—he was respected and admired, everything I wanted to be. I dressed like him, got haircuts like his, and even wished I could use the men’s bathroom. Acting out became my way of trying to prove that I mattered in a family where I often felt overlooked.
KATTI reflects how deeply children perceive the unspoken dynamics around them. What they internalize—feelings of rejection, loneliness, and longing—shapes their sense of self and lingers into adulthood, quietly molding who they become.
KATTI is a deeply personal short film depicting a longstanding prejudice in our society.
Even today, a large number of families in India, and many other parts of the world, prefer sons over daughters. Such discrimination often stays unspoken even within more "progressive" families who raise their daughters to be ambitious and successful, but its impacts upon the children who are caught up in the web of veiled misogyny are very often deep and lasting.
The word KATTI in Hindi, can be loosely translated to "un-friend". Children use it often to indicate a decision to go no-contact with a friend, family or peer in case of a disagreement or falling out. These conflicts can be playful or dead serious, depending on the situation. Bittoo's story involves an external and internal conflict that encapsulates both the volatile nature of childhood bonds as well as the lifelong impressions they leave on us.
Stories of girl children, especially those told by women, have always been underrepresented in media. KATTI will be a film written, produced and directed by women, reflecting experiences shared by a cast and crew from diverse backgrounds. Our pre-production is at full-power with a fantastic crew composed of Chapman University graduate students as well as external collaborators based outside of the US.
For all of these reasons, it is extremely important for us for us to tell this story.
The story opens with Bittoo, an 8-year-old girl, navigating the emotional turbulence of growing up in a bustling joint family. We meet Bittoo as she watches her family gear up for the ritual celebration of Kuan Pujan - performed exclusively to honour the birth of a son. She shares a complex bond with her younger sister, Mitthoo, and the newly born baby boy Golu, whose arrival shifts the family’s dynamics. The script explores themes of loneliness, sibling rivalry, and gender bias, as Bittoo struggles to find her place amidst the chaos.
As her father dotes on Golu and her mother is overwhelmed by caregiving, Bittoo's longing for attention and acknowledgment becomes more pronounced by her conflict with Mitthoo, who is hiding a secret of her own. Bittoo's emotional journey intensifies as she grapples with her feelings of inadequacy and displacement within the family structure. Meanwhile, Golu's presence subtly underlines the preferential treatment often afforded to male children, highlighting the ingrained gender biases that shape Bittoo’s world.
A still from Joyland (2022)
As Bittoo contemplates her own desires for escape, she must confront her internal conflict: wanting to be recognized and wanting to protect her sister. The script delicately portrays Bittoo’s emotional growth, drawing attention to the complicated relationships between siblings, parents, and gender expectations in an Indian family.
KATTI's directorial inspirations come from the films of Pedro Almodovar, Asghar Farhadi and Vishal Bhardwaj - vibrant colours interspersed with long silences and small gestures reflecting hidden, layered emotions.
Stills from Joyland (2022), A Seperation (2011) and Polite Society (2023)
Our cinematography will be measured and fluid, evoking feelings of intimacy and isolation through carefully contrasted wide shots and close ups. As the camera follows our young protagonist through crowded spaces of celebration, we will immerse our audiences into an lively Indian household through carefully planned production design depicting the clutter and the freedom that makes up the world of children. We are sourcing a majority of costumes and props from India for accurate representation and to evoke the nostalgia of a bittersweet past. We will casting Hindi-speaking South Asians who can speak in authentic Indian accents in all roles to maintain authenticity. Our film score will use gradually building textures and vocals to underline the complex emotional arc of the characters. We will incorporate Indian instruments like the flute and the sarangi. the longing for an escape and the hope for reconciliation.
Our fundraising goal is to raise $10,000 to bring the vision of "Katti (Unfriend)" to life. These funds will cover essential costs such as hiring talented cast and crew, renting equipment, providing catering, and securing authentic costumes from India that reflect the cultural essence of the story. Additionally, we plan to source unique production design materials that will enhance the film’s atmosphere and authenticity. Every contribution will help us create a truly immersive and impactful film experience. Your support is crucial in making this project a reality.
Fundraising Breakdown for $10,000:
- Cast - $1,500: Supporting talented performers to bring authenticity and depth to our characters.
- Studio Teacher for Minors - $1,800: Ensuring a safe and enriching environment for our young actors while meeting educational requirements.
- Crew (Camera, Make up Artist) - $1600: Enhancing the visual storytelling with professional makeup tailored to our characters.
- Equipment Rentals - $2,300: Accessing state-of-the-art cameras, lighting, and sound gear to capture the film’s essence.
- Costume from India (wardrobe essentials) - $600: Procuring authentic costumes that reflect the cultural and emotional nuances of the story.
- Catering and Craft Services - $1,200: Providing nourishing meals and snacks for the hardworking cast and crew on set.
- Production Design - $1,000: Creating an immersive and visually striking world that brings the story to life.
Stretch Goals:
If we're fortunate enough through your support for this film, we would like to stretch our fundraising goals to $12,500. The extra $2500 will go towards our sound design budget that involves paying the crew for sound design, music composition, vocals, sound mixing and more.
We appreciate your time and willingness to read through our crowdfunding page! We would be grateful for any amount listed out in the incentive cards that you would wish to contribute! Your donation will be vital for telling this story in the way it deserves to be told and reaching as many people as possible. Aside from donating, you can also help us by sharing this page with your friends and family or on your social media.
Finally, don't forget to follow us on Instagram @kattithefilm
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Studio Teacher cost
Costs $1,800
As we have minors in our production, having a teacher on set is a state requirement. This is the minimum cost to hire one for six days.
Crew
Costs $1,600
To make sure we bring professionals on for specific tasks like Make up artist, Costume designer and key Camera crew positions.
Equipment
Costs $2,300
Even though we have our Camera sorted, there a lot of other equipment required for lighting, grip and electric, steadicam, sound, etc.
Costume
Costs $600
We are bringing authentic costume from India to maintain visual quality and make sure the film is deeply rooted in the Indian culture.
Catering for crew
Costs $1,200
To feed our film crew properly with healthy food while they are hard at work trying to bring this story to life!
Production Design
Costs $1,000
We are creating India in LA. Every set piece visible in the frame will play a very important role to keep it real and authentic.
Cast
Costs $1,500
Will help us Pay the actors who are putting in the effort to make this movie for us.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director
Kanishka is a seasoned acting coach and filmmaker with a versatile background spanning acting, assistant directing, and mentoring. Currently pursuing an MFA in Film Direction at Chapman University, Kanishka is committed to both personal and professional growth. Her deep interest in human psychology and its impact on creativity has led her to study Neuro Linguistic Programming and attend a Creativity Research course at Harvard University. She also completed a screenwriting course at NYU Tisch School of Arts.
Kanishka has coached acclaimed Indian celebrities and worked with renowned directors contributing to notable productions such as "The Rapist,"(Busan International Film Festival) "Agra," (Cannes Film Festival) and “Bombay Begums" (Netflix). As a director, she is drawn to telling complex, character-driven stories that explore the intricacies of human behavior and relationships. Through her work, she seeks to offer audiences a deeper understanding of those often misunderstood, approaching challenging characters and situations with empathy and nuance. Kanishka’s films aim to foster compassion and provoke thought, inviting viewers to connect with the humanity in even the most difficult of circumstances.
Producer
Wenfeng is a producer from Chapman University’s production program. She has produced the films “Sparkle Pets” and “Donuts”. She is a storyteller and believes that storytelling is the foundation of a movie and that all departments are in the service of storytelling. She is very responsible for the projects she works on and wants everyone involved to have an enjoyable experience.
Writer
Ever since her childhood, Akshita has been a storyteller. From doing theatre and improv in school to writing for United Nations’ Voices of Youth, she has used different mediums to use her voice and talk about things that matter to her. After completing her bachelor's degree in engineering from Delhi, Akshita decided to switch gears and reconnect with the writer in her by pursuing a Master's degree in Screenwriting from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. She combines this American education with her Indian roots to create stories and characters uniquely Indian but with a universality that could resonate with any audience. She continues to explore the expansive world of storytelling with a special interest in bringing Indian characters to the fore.
Camera Operator
Kuo is a Taiwanese cinematographer. He started learning from industry professionals at the age of 10 and began his career as a camera operator for local studios. Over the past decade, he has worked on shorts, documentaries, music videos, and commercials in Taiwan. After graduating with an MFA from Chapman University, where he learned from leading industry cinematographers, Kuo was selected as one of four cinematographers for ColorCreative’s Find Your People Program 2024 cohort, during which he shot a short film executive produced by Issa Rae. His work has been showcased at renowned film festivals, including the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Out On Film: Atlanta’s LGBTQ Film Festival. Additionally, he earned the Best Cinematography award at the annual SoCal Film Awards. Kuo aims to create authentic realities that deeply resonate with audiences, translating the director’s vision into visually captivating narratives.
Editor
Danny is a detail-oriented post-production artist specializing in film editing and photography. His work blends an eye for narrative storytelling with precision. Inspired by his experiences as a person on the Autism Spectrum, Danny uses storytelling to foster connection and explore artistic expression.
Production Designer
Rohini is a production designer with a background in architecture and international production. After 2 years working as an architect in India, Rohini pursued a postgraduate degree in world-building at SCI-Arc in LA. Since then, Rohini has collaborated with notable production designers including Oscar-nominated Guy Hendrix Dyas, Inbal Weinberg & David Lazan working as a researcher and digital asset manager in their art department. In India, Rohini art directed, and assistant art directed on feature films for major production houses such as RSVP and Benares Mediaworks that are streaming on Netflix (Bheed), Prime (Dear Father) and Zee5 (Despatch) after global theatrical releases.She has also independently designed over 15 short films, multiple music videos, ads, and an indie feature, with several projects featured in global festivals. Most recently, Rohini was a production design fellow in Color Creative’s Find Your People Program and designed a short film executive produced by Issa Rae.
Sound Designers
After attending a sound workshop conducted by Randy Thom in India, Karthik Mohan MPSE was inspired to learn more about film sound and moved to the USA. He was nominated for an MPSE Golden Reel Verna Fields Award and was also a 2x nominee for the CAS Student Recognition Award. Karthik started his professional career as a Los Angeles based sound effects editor 4 years ago and has since worked on a variety of feature films both in Hollywood and Indian cinema. His notable sound editing work includes the big budget blockbuster Indian films Jawan, Jigarthanda Double X, Indian 2 and recent festival hits like Max Dagan, Paper Flowers, Four Samosas. He has also worked on the musical Long December, war documentary Interpreters Wanted, along with digital content for Samsung, Levis, Rhode Skin and for shows like The Wheel of Time and Hanna. His work has featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, AMC+, PBS and has also played prestigious festivals like Festival De Cannes, Tribeca Film Festival, IFFR – Rotterdam among others. He is grateful to have a great group of mentors and supervisors who continue to support his journey and his quest to keep learning more.
Kevin is an LA-based Dialogue Editor and Re-recording Mixer. Having grown up in Singapore, his curiosity for film ultimately brought him to LA. In the past three years since starting his professional career, he has worked on feature films from Hollywood to Bollywood. His most recent accolade is his work on Jawan, one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Aside from sound editing, he enjoys picking up production gigs from time to time to satisfy his desire to be on set and interact with other filmmakers.
Production Sound Mixer
Aki is an LA-based Production Sound Mixer. [SOUND SPEED]
1st AD
John has been involved in the creative arts for as long as he can remember. From illustration to filmmaking, he has always sought the best medium for self-expression. While at UCCS, John wrote, directed, and produced several short films. His undergraduate thesis film, Los Perdidos, was a finalist for Best Short Film, Best Director, and Best Production Design at Indie Short Fest in 2022. At Chapman University, he has focused on developing his cinematic voice while emphasizing underrepresented voices in film.
Creative Consultant & Crowdfunding Lead
Saranya is a producer, writer and sound designer originally from Kolkata. She holds an MA in Visual Anthropology from The University of Manchester and has assisted on National Award winning feature films in India. Following her MFA in Film and TV Production from USC in 2020, she worked as a writer and producer with Jugaad Motion Pictures in Mumbai, across a wide range of content including film, webseries, commercials and music videos. As a producer/director, her documentary and narrative shorts have screened at multiple festivals worldwide. As a sound designer, she has worked on critically acclaimed films that have shown at Tribeca, Fantasia and Hollyshorts among other festivals. Saranya aims to tell and/or support socially significant, research-backed stories driven by underrepresented voices in media. She divides her time between India and the US, and is currently based in Los Angeles.