With the expansion, evolution, and innovation of the world of film, the newest generation of filmmakers is inspired and making itself known to the world. Senior and student filmmaker Indy Mishra is an exciting and ambitious product of that generation.
Dabbling in various genres like drama, science fiction, and fantasy, Mishra’s focus is on screenwriting, though she has also directed and acted since 13 years old. Having directed and produced five films so far, Indy has won several awards and accolades, including having placed in the Annual Governor’s Awards Competition’s Improvisation category, being featured in the Communication Media Arts category, and having won first place in the Montclair Film Emerging Screenwriter Competition.
Mishra gains most of her learning experience from Ghetto Film School in the Bronx, a film school that works towards bringing forth minority voices in film. As a minority herself, her goal as a filmmaker is to promote awareness and representation of other minorities, as she believes that many social and world issues come from the misrepresentation of various peoples, or lack thereof, in film. Indy further explains the issue with personal experience of her own:
“As a POC (person of color) and a member of a lot of different minority groups like LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent, I find a lot of issues stem from lack of representation in media for specific groups,” she said, “so the main reason that I do film is to… make members of these minorities feel seen on the screen because I never really did when I was a kid… I just want to make people feel seen [and] represented, and I want to educate others” Mishra said.
As a way to break down the social barriers that divide people on the screen, Mishra utilizes humor to address issues that people find difficult to discuss or express. Humor makes its way through to everyone’s heart, regardless of who you are or where you come from. Mishra uses the power of humor to bring people together with her films.
“I find that making jokes breaks down a barrier that people have and makes them feel vulnerable and seen… humor is a language that everyone can understand, even though we’re really separated and divided in this world,” she said. “A funny joke or a little catchphrase or something we can all share can really just make everybody smile, no matter where you’re from.”
Mishra takes inspiration from the humoristic style of director Taika Waiti, who incorporates comedy in his films to teach viewers about the Maori culture.
Inspiration can come from anywhere–in Mishra’s case, from her experiences. Film acts as a medium for her to discuss difficult topics, often ones she herself can relate to. She shares an anecdote about making her first professional film in a dark place:
“I was going through so much at that time… that I needed to find a medium to get out and vent, so my first film was about my struggles with my own mental health, with my depression, mania, depressive episodes… and it was beautiful for me at the time,” Mishra said, “I really, really needed to make it, and it was cathartic to turn something I was so mad over… into… a beautiful 4 minute short with color and emotion and all of the things that had made me upset.”
With her film journey, Mishra sets an admirable example for aspiring filmmakers and writers to work towards their dreams, despite the conflicting struggles of school, work, or whatever stresses come their way of pursuing their passions. As a director who struggles with procrastination, she understands and encounters many obstacles, yet fights past them and encourages those who share her dreams to go for them with full force, no matter what.
“If you’ve got a passion, you gotta go for it. I know it’s hard. I know more than anybody that it’s hard. I probably know more than you that it’s hard,” she said, “but it’s so fulfilling in the end and it’ll make you feel so incredibly proud of yourself, and that’s the best gift that you can give to yourself.”
