OUR EXPERTS
At Cininfo, we’re proud to bring together a diverse line-up of industry experts who embody our motto of the “Joy of Giving Back.” These seasoned professionals, ranging from actors, directors, writers to cinematographers, editors and casting directors, generously share their knowledge, experience, and insights with our community.
Our speakers believe in the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent and are committed to providing mentorship, guidance, and support to aspiring individuals in the entertainment industry. By sharing their expertise through live sessions, workshops, and courses, they empower our members to grow and succeed in their careers.
Join us at Cininfo and learn from the best in the business as they impart invaluable wisdom and help you navigate the exciting world of entertainment.
Shruti Rajkumar
Vice President (I&B Desk), India Cine Hub (Film Facilitation Office)
Over the past 2 decades, Shruti Rajkumar has worked in...
Shruti Rajkumar
Vice President (I&B Desk), India Cine Hub (Film Facilitation Office)
Over the past 2 decades, Shruti Rajkumar has worked in all capacities of the content business. She has developed, anchored, and produced shows for sports & entertainment & has managed research, content, and programming acquisition strategy for the English general entertainment portfolio at Star and the Infotainment portfolio at Sony.
In her current role at Invest India, she heads India Cine Hub (film facilitation office), under the Ministry of information and broadcasting, Govt. of India.
Leena Rani Narzary
Assistant Vice President, India Cine Hub(Film Facilitation Office, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India)
Leena Rani Narzary has played a key role in promoting India...
Leena Rani Narzary
Assistant Vice President, India Cine Hub
(Film Facilitation Office, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India)
(Film Facilitation Office, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India)
Leena Rani Narzary has played a pivotal role in spearheading India's film facilitation
initiatives, ensuring international productions find seamless support in India.
She has been instrumental in coordinating between multiple government bodies,
promoting India as a global filming hub, and strengthening the country's presence
in international cinema forums.
Suvajit Chakraborty
Lawyer
Mr. Suvajit Chakraborty is a distinguished media law professional with over...
Suvajit Chakraborty
Lawyer
Mr. Suvajit Chakraborty is a distinguished media law professional with over 16 years of extensive experience across diverse sectors including media, technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. He began his career as Legal Counsel at the Times of India Group and subsequently held key positions within the Legal & Regulatory team at Star TV (now Disney/JioHotstar), where he developed deep expertise in intellectual property, compliance, content licensing, and regulatory affairs.
Recognized as a trusted advisor and mentor, Mr. Chakraborty combines strategic legal insight with a deep commitment to safeguarding and empowering creative voices.
Nani Sahra Walker
Director, Writer & Producer | Academy Award Winner
Nani Sahra Walker is an Academy Award winning executive producer...
Nani Sahra Walker
Director, Writer & Producer | Academy Award Winner
Nani Sahra Walker is an Academy Award winning executive producer and an independent writer/director. She produced the acclaimed short documentaries Kylie (Sundance, 2023), Merman (Tribeca, 2023) and The Last Repair Shop (Telluride, 2023), which won the 2024 Academy Award.
Nani is an alum of the ARRI International Support Program, Busan APM, Cine Qua Non Lab, SFFILM FilmHouse Residency Program and BAFTA. She is a lecturer at UC Berkeley’s renowned documentary program and mentors filmmakers at the U.S. Department of State programs American Film Showcase and Global Media Makers.
Radhika Gopal
Head – Writers & Directors
Radhika Gopal is the Head – Writers and Directors at Tulsea...
Radhika Gopal
Head – Writers & Directors
Radhika Gopal is the Head – Writers and Directors at Tulsea, a strategic talent and content management company representing India’s leading storytellers. She joined Tulsea in 2014 as its first talent agent and has since played a key role in building its India team alongside Founding Partners Datta Dave and Chaitanya Hegde. Radhika has been instrumental in packaging acclaimed series like Sacred Games and Paatal Lok for platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. She also works closely with studios to identify emerging talent and fosters cross-border collaborations between India and the U.S. A former advertising professional at Ogilvy & Mather, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media from the University of Mumbai.
Sanchi Sehgal
Senior Legal Counsel
Sanchi Sehgal is a Senior Associate in Business & Legal Affairs at Tulsea...
Sanchi Sehgal
Senior Legal Counsel
Sanchi Sehgal is a Senior Associate in Business & Legal Affairs at Tulsea, a premier talent management and content packaging company headquartered in Mumbai. In this capacity, she plays a critical role in shaping and safeguarding the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin Tulsea’s operations. Her responsibilities span contract negotiation, legal documentation, and deal structuring, essential to securing transparent, equitable agreements for the company’s diverse creative talent, including writers, directors, and showrunners. Sanchi’s contributions are foundational to ensuring that Tulsea’s artists are empowered and protected in an increasingly complex media landscape.
Sarita Patil
Partner & Producer
Sarita has built and guided stories across feature films, television, and digital...
Sarita Patil
Partner & Producer
Sarita has built and guided stories across feature films, television, and digital platforms in Hindi and regional languages. She has held senior leadership roles at leading production houses, most recently as Vice President at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, where she led content and production teams across formats. After completing the INSEAD Leadership Program for Senior Executives (2017–2018), she stepped into entrepreneurship as a Partner at Matchbox Shots, a boutique studio known for premium, story-driven work.
Her production slate includes Khauf, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, Scoop, Monica O My Darling, All India Rank, and Three of Us.
Abhishek Chaubey
Writer/Director/Producer
Abhishek Chaubey is an acclaimed filmmaker who launched his career...
Abhishek Chaubey
Writer/Director/Producer
Abhishek Chaubey is an acclaimed filmmaker who launched his career as associate director and co-writer on notable films including ‘Makdee’, ‘Omkara’, and ‘Kaminey’. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed ‘Ishqiya’, followed by ‘Dedh Ishqiya’.
His features ‘Udta Punjab’ and ‘Sonchiriya’ were lauded for their compelling narratives and social commentary, while his shorts ‘Hungama Kyun Hai Barpa’ and ‘Madhyantar’ received critical appreciation. As producer, he collaborated on ‘A Death in the Gunj’, which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival.
Chaubey continues innovating across platforms, directing Netflix series ‘Killer Soup’ while producing ‘Raat Akeli Hai’, ‘Sharmaji Namkeen’, and the Malayalam film ‘Ullozhukku’. His work has garnered multiple awards.
He brings substantial expertise through jury service on Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, SWA Awards, Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, and KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant. He has mentored emerging talent through screenplay workshops at FTII and SRFTI.
Chaubey remains a distinctive voice in contemporary Indian cinema, recognized for his unique vision and exceptional storytelling.
Adwitiya Kareng Das
Writer
Adwitiya Kareng Das is a Mumbai-based screenwriter best known...
Adwitiya Kareng Das
Writer
Adwitiya Kareng Das is a Mumbai-based screenwriter best known for co-writing SonyLIV’s acclaimed historical drama Freedom at Midnight, which won the 2025 SWA Award for Best Screenplay (Web Drama). She has also written on Prime Video’s teen drama Big Girls Don’t Cry, and is part of a new generation of writers bringing politically engaged, character-driven storytelling to streaming.
Gundeep Kaur
Writer
Gundeep Kaur is a Mumbai-based screenwriter and creative producer...
Gundeep Kaur
Writer
Gundeep Kaur is a Mumbai-based screenwriter and creative producer known for her work on SonyLIV’s Freedom at Midnight and the acclaimed series Rocket Boys. An IIT Kanpur graduate with a filmmaking diploma from Whistling Woods, she has written and directed shorts, ad films and music videos, and brings a research-driven, politically aware lens to long-form storytelling.
Hardik Mehta
Writer & Director
National Award & Filmfare Award-winning writer-director...
Hardik Mehta
Writer & Director
National Award & Filmfare Award-winning writer-director. From Red Chillies Entertainment and Drishyam Films to Maddock Films and Jio Studios, and across Netflix India, Amazon Prime Video, Dharmatic Entertainment, and Phantom Films, Hardik has worked widely in Hindi mainstream cinema.
With deep experience across independent Docus and Mainstream films, he bridges
indie practices and commercial filmmaking
In this session, he shares clear, practical guidance on making a first film with a strong personal voice and real commercial appeal.
Sudhir Mishra
Writer, Director & Producer
Sudhir Mishra is an Indian film director and screenwriter with over 30 years...
Sudhir Mishra
Writer, Director & Producer
Sudhir Mishra is an Indian film director and screenwriter with over 30 years of experience in the Hindi film industry. He is widely regarded for his realistic storytelling style and character-driven narratives. His acclaimed films include Dharavi (1992), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005), Chameli (2003), Serious Men (2020), and Afwaah (2023).
His work has been recognised with several National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and the French honour Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Sudhir Mishra continues to be a vital voice in Indian cinema, admired for the depth and integrity of his filmmaking.
Nikkhil Advani
Director
Nikkhil Advani, one of India’s most visionary filmmakers...
Nikkhil Advani
Director
Nikkhil Advani is one of India’s most visionary filmmakers, for an exclusive Cininfo Masterclass on storytelling, filmmaking, and the industry’s future.
Dmytro Nedria
Cinematographer
Dmytro is a Ukrainian-born cinematographer based in London...
Dmytro Nedria
Cinematographer
Dmytro is a Ukrainian-born cinematographer based in London, trained at the Global Cinematography Institute in Los Angeles. He has lensed acclaimed feature films such as Easy, Foxter and Max, Rocky Road to Berlin, and Once Upon a Time in Ukraine, many of which have won multiple Ukrainian Film Academy Awards and international festival honors including the Golden Leopard at Locarno.
His recent work includes the Netflix original Saare Jahan Se Accha, shot across Budapest and India. Dmytro collaborates with renowned commercial directors and continues to work across features, shorts, and high-end advertising, bringing a distinct visual craft shaped by global experience.
Akshata Samant
Head of Creative Development, Civic Studios
Akshata Samant brings over 14 years of dynamic expertise in the media...
Akshata Samant
Head of Creative Development, Civic Studios
Akshata Samant brings over 14 years of dynamic expertise in the media and entertainment industry as the Head of Creative Development at Civic Studios. With a career marked by influential roles and successful projects, Akshata is instrumental in leading the team of creative producers, ensuring projects are high on storytelling, impact, and commercial viability. She oversees the entire development process from inception to release, aligning each project with the studio’s strategic vision. Previously serving as Showrunner at Dice Media, Akshata has left an indelible mark with fan-favourite series such as Little Things (Netflix), Crushed (Amazon miniTV), and What the Folks (YouTube). Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Cine Pitara, where she directed and produced content for major brands including Godrej Interio, Ray-Ban, and JioSaavn.
Deepti DCunha
Film Programmer
Deepti DCunha is a Mumbai-based Film Programmer specialising...
Deepti DCunha
Film Programmer
Deepti DCunha is a Mumbai-based Film Programmer specialising in Contemporary Indian & South Asian Cinema. She is currently a Consultant with Fondazione Prada Film Fund. She has been the Artistic Director of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in 2023-24. She sources films and is sole features curator and programmer for ‘Viewing Room’ section and the ‘Work-in-Progress Lab’ for India’s largest Film Market, NFDC Film Bazaar from 2011-2022. She has been working on Indian and International Film Festivals for the past fifteen years. Deepti is the South Asia Consultant to Artistic Director, Marco Mueller, since 2011, for Venice film festival, Rome film festival, and several film festivals in China including Pingyao International Film Festival (PYIFF) for five years. She has been a Consultant for Red Sea Film Festival in 2025. From 2018-21, she has been the South Asia Correspondent Director’s Fortnight, Cannes. She has been in the Selection Committee of Locarno Open Doors from 2016-20, choosing projects and participants for the Co-production Hub and Producers Lab from South Asia, South East Asia and Mongolia. She has also been a mentor at SEAPITCH (Thailand) in 2021. Her earlier assignments include programming for the Indian Selection at Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival with Star from 2015-2019, Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF), the International Children’s Film Festival of India (ICFFI) and Osian’s Cinefan film festival and a reader for Doha Film Institute. She is deeply committed towards independent Indian and South Asian cinema; a passion that keeps her driven to scout for new films and fresh talent from all across the country and region.
Rahul Riji
Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Producer
Rahul Riji Nair is a National and State Award winning filmmaker, screenwriter...
Rahul Riji
Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Producer
Rahul Riji Nair is a National and State Award winning filmmaker, screenwriter and producer primarily working with the Malayalam Film Industry. His debut feature film “Ottamuri Velicham” had won 4 awards in Kerala State Film Awards 2017, including Best Feature Film of the year. He also won the 67th National Film Awards for Best Malayalam Film in 2019 for his third feature film “Kalla Nottam”. His films have premiered at prestigious film festivals in Mumbai, Kolkata, New York, Stuttgart, Chicago etc. He has also won multiple international awards including the prestigious Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best Feature Film at the 26th Kolkata International Film Festival and German Star of India Award for Best Feature film at the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart. Rahul pioneered the production of mainstream Malayalam Web Series for global OTT platforms. He’s noticed for his diverse body of work that has successfully traversed both Independent and Mainstream Cinema. Rahul founded the production house First Print Studios in 2011 and is currently serving the company as its CEO.
Shivani Saran
Producer
Shivani Saran is a Mumbai-based film producer known for building stories...
Shivani Saran
Producer
Shivani Saran is a Mumbai-based film producer known for building stories across languages and borders, with a strong track record in both independent and mainstream cinema. She has produced and supervised acclaimed films such as Raees, The Lunchbox, and Dil Dhadakne Do, and has been associated with projects like Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Shakuntala Devi, Noblemen, and Ground Zero.
As a founder of Terrapin Films and co-founder on ventures like Spotter Post Asia, Shivani’s work spans development, production, and creative collaboration, often nurturing content that travels beyond geographies and genres. Her producing voice is marked by a balance of strong storytelling, sharp packaging, and an instinct for scripts that can resonate with both festival circuits and wider audiences.
Rabia Chopra
Director of Programmes & Development at Women in Film India (WIF)India
Rabia Chopra is a seasoned Indian producer and creative leader...
Rabia Chopra
Director of Programmes & Development at Women in Film India (WIF)India
Rabia Chopra is a seasoned Indian producer and creative leader with over 18 years of experience across film, television, and advertising. Her journey has taken her through many roles: producer, line producer, educator, and strategist, giving her an instinctive, on-ground understanding of how stories are built and how the industry truly works.
Rabia’s early career includes a long association with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and his banner, Anurag Kashyap Films (AKFPL). As part of his core leadership team, she worked across
business strategy, operations, and partnerships, helping shape projects that carried a strong independent voice.
Rabia now serves as the Director of Programmes & Development at Women in Film India (WIF India), where she helps build spaces, opportunities, and pathways for women filmmakers. Her work focuses on mentorship, community-building, and designing programmes that make the industry more accessible, supportive, and creatively exciting for women. She is deeply passionate about representation and believes in the power of exposure, collaboration, and shared learning. Known for her clarity of thought, collaborative spirit, and ability to connect creative vision with real-world possibilities, Rabia continues to be a strong advocate for women in Indian cinema, working towards an ecosystem where more women’s voices can thrive and be heard.
Neha Kaul
Producer & Campaign Strategist
Neha is a leading film professional with over two decades of experience..
Neha Kaul
Producer & Campaign Strategist
Neha is a leading film professional with over two decades of experience across production, marketing, and distribution. She has worked with leading studios and platforms including Disney Studios India, UTV Motion Pictures and Netflix, leading 300+ campaigns for acclaimed titles like All We Imagine As Light (Cannes Winner), Sabar Bonda (Sundance Winner), The Elephant Whisperers (Oscar Winner), Delhi Crime (Emmy Winner), The White Tiger, Lust Stories, P.K., The Jungle Book and Dangal.
As a Producer & Campaign Strategist, her recent work includes Stolen (Venice 2023, Amazon Prime Video), Sabar Bonda (Sundance 2025 Winner – Best Drama), Shadowbox (Berlinale Panorama 2025) and Holy Curse.
She has partnered with notable Filmmakers and Studios including, Richie Mehta, Tiger Baby (Zoya Akhtar & Reema Kagti), Spirit Films (Rana Dagubatti), Vikramaditya Motwane, Payal Kapadia, Rock Honey Films, Rohan Kanwade, Karan Tejpal and Bhansali Productions to champion South Asian stories across global platforms.
Tanvi Gandhi
Producer, Founder & CEO of House of TeeGee Productions
Tanvi Gandhi is an award-winning producer with over 20 years...
Tanvi Gandhi
Producer, Founder & CEO of House of TeeGee Productions
Tanvi Gandhi is an award-winning producer with over 20 years in film and over 25 acclaimed projects to her credit. A former Executive Producer at Yash Raj Films, she was the first woman to lead a major production there (Mardaani 2). Her other notable works include Queen, Super 30, Udta Punjab, Bombay Velvet, Vikram Vedha and Love Sex Aur Dhoka 2.
As Founder of House of TeeGee Productions, Tanvi has co-produced globally recognised projects such as Priya’s Mask (India’s first animated female superhero backed by the US State Department and UN Women) and international collaborations like Weight of Light (Estonia) ; and Tout là-haut (France) which she did while she was at Phantom Films. Named by Elle India as “one of Bollywood’s most powerful women,” she continues to champion bold, diverse, and underrepresented stories across borders.
Shubham Vardhan
BAFTA Breakthrough Screenwriter & Actor
Shubham Vardhan is a screenwriter and actor whose work bridges sharp...
Shubham Vardhan
BAFTA Breakthrough Screenwriter & Actor
Shubham Vardhan is a screenwriter and actor whose work bridges sharp storytelling and cinematic experimentation. He was selected for the prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough Program (UK, 2022), which recognizes exceptional emerging voices in cinema. His debut feature as writer, Eeb Allay Ooo! (2020), premiered in the Panorama Section of the Berlin International Film Festival and is now streaming on Netflix. The film won Best Film at MAMI 2019, the Filmfare Critics’ Choice award (2021), and four Screen Writers Association India Awards, including Best Story, Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue, and Best Debut Writer. His writing credits span diverse projects, including LSD2 (2024), Jal Tu Jalal Tu (2021), and Amazon Prime Video’s acclaimed Unpaused anthology series, contributing the shorts Vishanu (2020) and War Room (2021).
As an actor, Shubham’s work has travelled to leading film festivals worldwide. His latest film Stolen (2023), premiered in the Orizzonti Extra section at the Venice Film Festival and was selected for the Zurich Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. He has also appeared in LSD2 (2024), Amit Dutta’s Aadmi Ki Aurat Aur Anya Kahaniyan (Venice Horizons Special Mention, 2009), and Ralang Road (2017).
Shubham’s unique perspective as both screenwriter and actor brings invaluable insights into the complete creative process, from crafting compelling narratives on the page to embodying complex characters on screen. His work consistently explores authentic Indian stories that resonate with both domestic and international audiences.
Tanaji Dasgupta
Producer & Writer
Tanaji Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based producer and writer, and the co-founder...
Tanaji Dasgupta
Producer & Writer
Tanaji Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based producer and writer, and the co-founder and creative producer at Kindling Pictures, a production house founded by Kiran Rao.
He co-produced Laapataa Ladies, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (2023) and became one of India’s most beloved films — running in theatres for over 15 weeks and becoming one of the most-watched Indian films on Netflix.
Tanaji’s filmography includes The Hungry (TIFF 2017), Cat Sticks (Slamdance 2019), and The Disciple (Venice 2020), executive produced by Alfonso Cuarón. An alumnus of Berlinale Talents, his work consistently champions bold storytelling and collaborations that challenge cinematic conventions.
Gaurav Sharma
Founder & CEO, STORYVORD
Gaurav Sharma is the Founder and CEO of Storyvord, an Al-powered Production...
Gaurav Sharma
Founder & CEO, STORYVORD
Gaurav Sharma is the Founder and CEO of Storyvord, an Al-powered Production OS transforming how films and series are produced across borders. With over 12 years of experience in international film production, Gaurav has worked on global projects including Fast & Furious 7 and The Crown, and has produced films across the Middle East, Southeast Asla, and Europe.
Dimpy Agrawal
Film Producer
Dimpy Agrawal is an Indian film producer and the founder of Gubbar...
Dimpy Agrawal
Film Producer
Dimpy Agrawal is an Indian film producer and the founder of Gubbara Entertainment, a Mumbai-based production company known for creating emotionally resonant, socially rooted, and bold narratives.
Having transitioned from finance to filmmaking over a decade ago, she has worked across development, production, and producing with Phantom Films, Dharma Productions, and Netflix India.
In May 2024, she launched a $1 million script development fund at the Cannes Film Festival to empower Indian feature filmmakers and was recently selected as a fellow for the inaugural Women in Film India Fellowship at Cannes Producers Workshop 2025.
Smita Singh
Writer
Smita is a leading contemporary Indian writer. She is the writer and creator...
Smita Singh
Writer
Smita is a leading contemporary Indian writer. She is the writer and creator of her original horror series Khauf for Prime Video. Smita was also a part of the writers’ room for Netflix’s groundbreaking first Indian original series, Sacred Games. Her original feature crime drama, Raat Akeli Hai, was produced by MacGuffin Pictures and starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte. It was released on Netflix in 2020 to widespread critical and commercial acclaim and was one of the most-watched Netflix films in India that year. The screenplay for the film was among the top 10 finalists for the Mumbai Mantra-CineRise Screenwriting Programme 2015. A screenwriting alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Smita has also previously worked as an assistant director and creative associate on numerous programs for leading national and international TV channels.
Aparna Purohit
CEO, Aamir Khan Films
Aparna Purohit is the CEO of Aamir Khan Films and a trailblazer...
Aparna Purohit
CEO, Aamir Khan Films
Aparna Purohit is the CEO of Aamir Khan Films and a trailblazer in Indian entertainment.
Formerly the Head of India Originals at Amazon Prime Video, she spearheaded landmark shows like “Made in Heaven”, “Paatal Lok”, “The Family Man”, “Mirzapur”, and most recently “Sitaare Zameen Par”.
Featured in Fortune India’s and Business Today’s Most Powerful Women lists, Aparna is known for championing bold, culture-shaping stories that redefine the Indian content landscape.
Richard Kwietniowski
BAFTA Award–winning Writer & Director, Senior Lecturer (MA Filmmaking, London Film School)
Richard Kwietniowski is a BAFTA-winning writer-director and senior lecturer...
Richard Kwietniowski
BAFTA Award–winning Writer & Director, Senior Lecturer (MA Filmmaking, London Film School)
Richard Kwietniowski is a BAFTA-winning writer-director and senior lecturer at the London Film School. Born in West London to Anglo-Polish parents, he studied literature (BA, First-Class) and film (PhD) at the University of Kent and was a Visiting Research Scholar at UC Berkeley. In the UK he worked across the independent sector (Bristol Film Workshop) and higher education (Bulmershe College), making acclaimed shorts including Flames of Passion and Alfalfa (David Harlech Memorial Award). He also created 40+ programmes for British TV, recognised by RTS and D&AD awards and a Prix Italia nomination, and consulted on PBS’s The Question of Equality.
His debut feature, Love and Death on Long Island (John Hurt, Jason Priestley), topped the US indie charts, made multiple year-end Top Ten lists, and won the Cannes Prix Pierrot, NYFCC Best First Feature, NBR Excellence in Filmmaking, and BAFTA’s Carl Foreman Award. His second feature, Owning Mahowny (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver), premiered at Sundance and Berlin, earned four Genie nominations, and brought Hoffman three Actor of the Year awards.
An inventive educator, he has devised courses and taught directing, screenwriting, and acting-to-camera in the UK and abroad, ran a 300-plus-session evening workshop at LFS, served on LFA’s QAEC, and designed/led the Central Film School BA. He supervises all MA graduation films at LFS. A frequent festival speaker and mentor, he has consulted for national bodies, contributed to BFI releases, and written for Screen, Movie, City Limits, Square Peg, and the TLS. Member: BAFTA, ALCS, BECTU, Directors UK. Representation: Independent Talent. Pronounced: Kfee-et-nee-ov-skee.
Manu Anand
Director of Photography
Manu Anand is an award-winning cinematographer known for blending...
Manu Anand
Director of Photography
Manu Anand is an award-winning cinematographer known for blending technical precision with a strong visual signature. A Filmfare Award winner for Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), he is recognized for designing a film’s overall visual identity from the concept stage—shaping lighting, color, mood, and VFX integration into a cohesive language. His diverse body of work includes Shuddh Desi Romance, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Fan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 & 3, Zero And Dhamaka, each highlighting his ability to adapt across genres while maintaining a distinctive eye for detail. With a reputation for collaboration and innovation, Anand continues to be one of Bollywood’s most sought-after cinematographers, trusted to deliver both artistic vision and cinematic scale.
Rita Meher
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Tasveer Film Festival
Rita Meher is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tasveer Film Festival...
Rita Meher
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Tasveer Film Festival
Rita Meher is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tasveer Film Festival, the nation’s leading South Asian film organization and the only Oscar®-qualifying South Asian film festival in the world. For 23 years, she has championed social change through films and storytelling, elevating underrepresented voices and building global platforms for South Asian narratives. Rita began her media journey in Japan in 1995 as a TV producer, later working as a TV producer in Seattle. A JNU graduate (BA in Japanese), she edited the award-winning Bangladeshi documentary Threads, directed the short Citizenship101 on immigrant experiences, and produced Zewel for the festival circuit. In 2025, she was awarded the Seattle Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Film.
Anend C. Chandran
Cinematographer
Kerala-born Director of Photography driving the natural rhythm of storytelling...
Anend C. Chandran
Cinematographer
Kerala-born Director of Photography driving the natural rhythm of storytelling through his lens. From the tender nostalgia of Neram (2013) and Premam (2015), to youthful wanderings in Aanandam (2016), the gripping pace of Helen (2019), the gentle warmth of Pookkaalam (2023), and the haunting frame of Bougainvillea (2024), Anend crafts visuals that feel lived-in, intuitive, and deeply human.
Mia Maelzer
Actor
Mia is an award-winning actor known for her leading role...
Mia Maelzer
Actor
Mia is an award-winning actor known for her leading role in The Field (Sandhya Suri), now part of The Criterion Collection. The film won Best International Short Film at TIFF 2018, premiered at Telluride, and was BAFTA 2019 nominated. She has also worked as acting coach and casting assistant for Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds.
A National School of Drama graduate, Mia is trained in American, European, and Classical Indian acting techniques, including Koodiyattam. Her credits include:
– Her blockbuster releases: Stolen on Amazon Prime and The Braid by Laetitia Colombani on Netflix France.
– Tikli and Laxmi Bomb (Netflix)
– Ek Betukey Aadmi Ki Afra Raatein
– Commercial films Shadi Ke Side Effects and Target Kolkata
Anadi Athaley
Editor & Producer
Anadi Athaley is a National Award–winning film editor and producer based in Mumbai...
Anadi Athaley
Editor & Producer
Anadi Athaley is a National Award–winning film editor and producer based in Mumbai. An FTII graduate specializing in Film Editing (2014), his work spans features—Cactus Pears (2025), Borderlands (2021), Ralang Road (2017), The Unreserved (2017), Candyflip (2017)—and shorts including Holy Curse (2024), Detour (2017), and Daaravtha (2015). Known for editorial intuition, emotional clarity, and an ear for storytelling through sound, Anadi helps filmmakers unlock the true potential of their stories in the edit room.
Christian Richter
Managing Director, ARRI
Christian Richter was appointed Managing Director Sales & Rental of the Arnold...
Christian Richter
Managing Director, ARRI
Christian Richter was appointed Managing Director Sales & Rental of the Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH in Munich, Germany, in February 2025. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s global sales endeavors across business units and subsidiaries. He also oversees the business units Lighting and ARRI Rental. Before coming to ARRI, Christian Richter spent 20 years at the Eastman Kodak Company working for their motion picture division as Vice President Pictures & Entertainment as well as Director of Sales & Marketing. In November 2017, ARRI brought Christian Richter on board to establish the ARRI Certified Pre Owned Program. Several short years later, he was trusted with the additional task of General Manager Sales Region EMEAI (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India). At the beginning of 2024, Christian Richter became Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ARRI, and ten months later Senior Vice President of Sales & Rental.
Vineeta Mishra
Head of Programming- NDFC Waves Film Bazaar and Waves Bazaar
Vineeta Mishra is Head of Programming at NFDC Waves Film Bazaar...
Vineeta Mishra
Head of Programming- NDFC Waves Film Bazaar and Waves Bazaar
Vineeta Mishra is Head of Programming at NFDC Waves Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest film market, and also Waves Bazaar, With 19 years of experience in film curation, programming, and project development, she has been instrumental in bringing South Asian stories to the world stage, facilitating co-productions, securing distribution deals, and guiding projects to top-tier festivals. She has served on juries for the Raindance Film Festival, SIFFCY, and Reborn Film Festival, and was a driving force behind the launch of Doc Film Bazaar India’s first dedicated documentary market and played a significant role in launch of Waves Bazaar,an industry platform connecting the global film, AVGC, and television sectors. Passionate about championing diverse voices, nurturing emerging talent, and creating meaningful industry collaborations, Vineeta plays a pivotal role in shaping conversations and opportunities across global content markets.
Rushi Sharma
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise, Filmfare Award–Winning Costume Designer
Rushi Sharma is a leading costume designer and co-founder of Fools...
Rushi Sharma
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise, Filmfare Award–Winning Costume Designer
Rushi Sharma is a leading costume designer and co-founder of Fools’ Paradise (2007). Her character-first work spans Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Shanghai, PK, Queen, Dhoom 3, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, Sherni, The Railway Men, Bell Bottom, and Bad Newz. A visiting faculty member at FTII, she champions sustainable, artisan-led sourcing. Honors include Filmfare (2009, 2013) and ELLE Mindful Design (2023).
Manoshi Nath
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise, Filmfare Award–Winning Costume Designer
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise • Award–Winning Costume Designer...
Manoshi Nath
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise, Filmfare Award–Winning Costume Designer
Co-Founder, Fools’ Paradise • Award–Winning Costume Designer
Manoshi Nath is an acclaimed costume designer and co-founder of Fools’ Paradise. She has shaped the visual language of films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Shanghai, PK, Queen, Dhoom 3, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, Sherni, The Railway Men, Bell Bottom, and Bad Newz. A mentor and visiting faculty at FTII, she foregrounds sustainability and storytelling through design. Awards include Filmfare (2009, 2013) and ELLE Mindful Design (2023).
Saiwyn Quadras
Screenwriter
Saiwyn Quadras is an award-winning screenwriter...
Saiwyn Quadras
Screenwriter
Saiwyn Quadras is an award-winning screenwriter whose films — including Neerja, Mary Kom, Parmanu, Maidaan, and the recent horror release Maa — have won National Awards and critical acclaim. Known for crafting emotionally resonant, high-stakes narratives across genres, his work spans biopics, historical dramas, and original fiction. Starting his career in event management, Quadras found his voice in screenwriting, where he continues to explore stories rooted in human complexity, resilience, and cinematic impact.
Arjun Nittoor
Film-Tech Entrepreneur
Arjun Nittoor is an actor and the CEO of Buzzplosion and Intraflix, divisions...
Arjun Nittoor
Film-Tech Entrepreneur
Arjun Nittoor is an actor and the CEO of Buzzplosion and Intraflix, divisions that operate at the intersection of cinema and advanced technology. He’s received a Central Government award from the Ministry of MSME and was featured in the international edition of Variety as one of the few South Indian celebrities recognized globally. In 2023, The Times of India named him one of the Top 20 Changemakers of India.
His firm is currently working with both national brands and major production houses on generative AI advertising, cinematic previsualization, and storytelling innovation through their proprietary platform Trikal AI.
Abhinandan Gupta
Speaker
Abhinandan Gupta is an Indian filmmaker and writer...
Abhinandan Gupta
Speaker
Abhinandan Gupta is an Indian filmmaker and writer known for his work as Associate Director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018). He was the head writer on the historical drama series, Freedom at Midnight (2024), which explores India’s partition. His storytelling emphasizes human experiences and character dynamics.
Faisal Hashmi
Director & Screenwriter
Faisal Hashmi is an award-winning screenwriter and director...
Faisal Hashmi
Director & Screenwriter
Faisal Hashmi is an award-winning screenwriter and director
Awarded 'Independent Filmmaker of the Year' by Digital Studio Magazine and the prestigious Golden Visa by UAE Ministry of Culture, he has a number of boundary-pushing genre short films under his belt over the last decade. Based in Dubai, he has been covered in various local publications for his work. His genre short films including Amber, Wicken and Sleight have screened at dozens of film festivals around the world and have a combined 2 million views on Youtube.
He's the screenwriter of the upcoming 'City of Life: Continuum' directed by Ali F. Mostafa, and is in pre-production on his feature film directorial debut with multiple other projects in development for the next year.
Shweta Venkat
Film editor
Shweta Venkat is an acclaimed Indian film editor...
Shweta Venkat
Film editor
Shweta Venkat is an acclaimed Indian film editor with over a decade of experience in the industry. Shweta has worked on diverse films, showcasing her versatility and expertise on notable projects like Gangs of Wasseypur, Freedom at midnight, Newton, Supermen of Malegaon and many more.
Rajesh G Pandey
Film editor
Rajesh Pandey is a seasoned Indian Film Editor with a career spanning 34 years...
Rajesh G Pandey
Film editor
Rajesh Pandey is a seasoned Indian Film Editor with a career spanning 34 years, celebrated for his work on cinematic masterpieces like Bajirao Mastani and Padmavat, as well as acclaimed series like Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein.
From mastering linear to non-linear editing processes and transitioning from small-screen storytelling to big-screen epics, Pandey has continuously evolved with the industry.