In a world where cinema often mirrors the mainstream, it takes a rare voice to challenge conventions and spotlight the stories that matter most. Shriya Rana is that voice. Raised in the tranquil hills of Himachal Pradesh, she charted an extraordinary path from engineering classrooms in India to the creative epicenter of Los Angeles.
Today, as a director and producer, Shriya is breaking stereotypes and redefining socially conscious cinema. Her award-winning films, including Ayesha and The Serene Place Where the Stars Poop, confront themes of identity, marginalization, and resilience with fearless honesty. Through her work — and as the founder of Snowburn Productions — Shriya is committed to amplifying unheard voices and inspiring change, one bold story at a time.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. Coming from a hill-town in Himachal Pradesh, how did the idea to become a filmmaker come about for you? Why did you choose this unconventional path towards filmmaking?
A. It's an interesting story, and now that I think about it, it seems surreal. I started my journey in a rather unconventional way. Growing up, I used to dance and explore various forms of dance during my engineering studies. After completing my engineering degree, I realized that it wasn’t the path I wanted to follow. I was searching for something that truly brought me joy, so I decided to take a break and focus on dance, all while keeping an MBA as a backup plan. Dance was the only creative outlet I had, and it made me happy. During that time, I discovered filmmaking, and I instantly felt drawn to it.
However, coming from an academic family, transitioning into a creative field wasn’t easy. I ended up pursuing an MBA at HPU Shimla after clearing the HPU-MAT exam because my parents didn’t want me to miss out on that opportunity, and I didn’t know any better at that point. But it was during my MBA studies that I became certain filmmaking was my true calling. The feeling never left me; I found myself constantly watching movies, analyzing them, and feeling a deep connection to the art form. Eventually, I gathered the courage to approach my family and asked for their support in pursuing my passion. Once I shared my vision with them confidently, they fully supported me. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have parents who, despite their initial concerns, have always supported me in following my dreams.
Q. Your film Ayesha sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. What role do you think cinema plays in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, and how do you see it influencing public opinion?
A. Cinema has a quiet but powerful way of changing how people think. With Ayesha, I wanted to share a journey that is often misunderstood or stereotyped. LGBTQ+ individuals face many challenges — socially, emotionally, and even legally — and it’s hard to make real progress unless we bring these stories into the open. When people watch a film and connect with a character emotionally, the issues become real for them. It’s not just an abstract concept anymore, but something they can relate to. Films have the power to build empathy, and I believe empathy is the foundation for change. By telling these stories, we can shift perspectives and create a more inclusive society. It’s a small but important step in being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Q. In The Serene Place, you satirize the immigrant struggle in Hollywood. What do you think is the biggest challenge immigrants face today, both in the film industry and society at large?
A. The biggest challenge is getting the opportunity. While Hollywood and the entertainment industry have made progress with more representation for people of color, immigrants are often the last ones to benefit. There are layers in between—people who fit a more stereotypical “American” mold or those with fewer restrictions often get the opportunities first. In The Serene Place, we didn’t delve into visa issues, but we explored the long, extra miles immigrants go to just to be seen and to gain a chance in the industry. It’s a constant struggle to prove our worth, not just as performers but as creators, writers, directors, and in every role in entertainment.
Opportunities are often overlooked or handed to someone with a more “American” identity, leaving immigrants to fight even harder to prove themselves. This is something I wanted to highlight in a satirical way, showing the distance we go to in order to even get in the door.
Q. Sustainability in filmmaking is increasingly becoming important. How do you ensure that Snowburn Productions incorporates eco-friendly and socially responsible practices in its film projects?
A. Snowburn Productions was founded on the belief that storytelling and responsibility go hand-in-hand. While we’re still a relatively young company, we are committed to adopting a minimal-footprint approach in every aspect of our work. This includes using small, efficient crews, prioritizing digital workflows, renting or reusing equipment, and sourcing props and wardrobe sustainably. But sustainability, for me, extends beyond logistics. It’s also about the kind of stories we choose to tell. Are we encouraging thoughtful consumption, reflection, and action through our narratives?
As filmmakers, we have a unique opportunity to influence the way people think about the world around them. Social responsibility is also integral in how we treat people on sets. It’s about fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment where creativity can thrive without harm. For me, it’s all interconnected — from the production process to the messages we share through our films.
Q. Your films tackle crucial social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant identity, and women’s safety. How do you believe cinema can contribute to shifting societal perspectives and norms?
A. Cinema is a powerful tool for social change. When stories are told with honesty and authenticity, they challenge long-held perceptions and open minds to new ideas. Through films like Ayesha and The Serene Place, I hope to encourage audiences to see things from perspectives they might not have considered before. In Ayesha, for instance, we don’t just see her perspective; we also explore why her family reacts the way they do, why she wasn’t accepted in the kind of society she was part of?
By portraying all these perspectives, we begin to understand the complexities of human behavior, and why societal norms can be so difficult to break. The Serene Place is another example of exploring dual perspectives — between the dreamer and the gatekeeper. Both are integral to the narrative, as even the gatekeeper was once a dreamer who learned things the hard way. It’s these back-and-forth dynamics that can help audiences understand how systems are perpetuated, and the personal costs involved in challenging them. Films like these can bring awareness to important issues, spark conversations, and influence how people think and act. They have the ability to plant seeds of change that grow beyond the theater, ultimately shifting societal norms over time.
Q. How do you think storytelling can inspire younger generations to engage with social and environmental issues? Are you planning to collaborate more with youth in your future projects?
A. Storytelling, especially when it’s rooted in truth, has the power to ignite passion in younger generations. By addressing social and environmental issues in films, we not only raise awareness but also inspire action. Young people today are more socially conscious than ever before, and they are actively seeking platforms to voice their concerns and make a difference. I believe storytelling can serve as a catalyst for change. When young people see their struggles and dreams reflected in stories, it not only validates their experiences but also empowers them to take action.
As a filmmaker, I definitely plan to involve younger collaborators in my future projects. I want to provide them with a space to tell their own stories and tackle the issues that matter to them most. Looking back, I realize how much I would have benefited from having a mentor or role model to guide me in the early stages of my career. I didn’t have anyone to turn to, and I hardly saw anyone doing what I aspired to do. That’s why I feel it’s crucial to empower the next generation to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. By collaborating with youth, we can inspire them not only to tell their stories but also to take the lead in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Q. As a filmmaker how do you approach the challenge of ensuring your films are not just impactful, but also ethically and responsibly made?
A. Filmmaking is about more than just telling stories—it’s about doing so responsibly. When I tackle difficult subjects, I always keep in mind the weight of the stories I’m telling and the impact they can have. Ensuring that my films are both impactful and ethically made means approaching the subject with deep respect, care, and authenticity. I believe in the power of thorough research and firsthand experience. I make it a point to speak with individuals who have lived the stories I’m portraying, so I can capture their perspectives truthfully. It’s not enough to just be inspired by an idea; I strive to understand the nuances of their lived experiences to ensure my depiction is genuine and not oversimplified or stereotyped.
But ethical filmmaking goes beyond research. It’s also about creating a respectful and safe space on sets, where everyone—from the actors to the crew—feels valued and protected. It’s crucial that the process of making the film itself is just as respectful as the story we’re telling. This extends to the impact that the film will have on the audience and the community. My goal is always to create something that not only entertains but fosters empathy, challenges existing narratives, and encourages positive societal change. At the end of the day, the stories we choose to tell can shape perspectives.
Q. What role do you think cinema can play in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability? Are we seeing enough of these narratives in film?
A. Cinema has a powerful ability to raise awareness about important issues like climate change and sustainability. Films can reach millions of people and inspire them to think differently about their own actions and the world around them. While some films have started addressing environmental issues, I believe we need more stories that not only highlight the problems but also inspire real change. At Snowburn Productions, we practice sustainability in our filmmaking process. We want to tell stories about the environment while also making sure our production is eco-friendly. Moving forward, we’ll continue to make sustainability a priority in both the films we create and how we make them, using our platform to encourage positive change.
Q. Under Snowburn Productions, you focus on advocacy through film. What are the next steps in your journey to further raise awareness on critical issues like mental health and gender equality?
A. My experience with The Serene Place taught me a lot about the power of subtlety in storytelling. It taught me that you don’t always have to be overt when addressing important issues. Through humor and the complexity of characters, audiences can connect with the message on a deeper emotional level. Moving forward, Snowburn Productions will continue to explore themes like mental health and gender equality through that lens — layered, thoughtful, and character-driven narratives. Our next steps involve deeper collaborations — working with professionals, advocates, and people with lived experiences to shape stories that resonate authentically. I want to expand our platform beyond just films — into workshops, talks, and youth mentorships. There’s a lot of strength in community storytelling, and I believe we can amplify voices that often go unheard.
Also read:
Powering Climate Action from the Ground Up: The Pulse of Community-Led Solutions at CASCA’25
Azim Premji Foundation to Support 2.5 Lakh Girls with Higher Education Scholarships Across 18 States
How East Bangalore’s Green Pockets are Shaping the Future of Living
x
.jpg)
