ABOUT ME

"You don't make the movie, the movie makes you."

Smahi Anand is an award-winning Indian filmmaker, producer, director, and writer based in Mumbai. Originally from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, she developed a passion for cinema at a young age. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy (NYFA) in Los Angeles, where she graduated in 2024. Following her graduation, she worked in the Los Angeles film industry, gaining hands-on professional experience across multiple projects and roles. Her education emphasized hands-on set experience and creative freedom, shaping her approach to socially conscious narratives that resonate across cultures. Smahi’s films are known for their female-centric, emotionally rich storytelling that challenges societal norms and amplifies marginalized voices.

One of her most acclaimed works, the short film Daffodils, won multiple awards at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema, including Best Short Film and the Festival Producer’s Trophy, and was screened at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Beyond Idyllwild, the film received official selections at festivals such as the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, won a Gold Winner title at the International Independent Film Awards, and earned a Bronze Award at the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles, with a nomination for Best First-Time Filmmaker Short at the Cannes World Film Festival.

Her deeply personal thesis film Silent Cycle tackles the stigma surrounding menstruation in Indian society. It has garnered Official Selection honors and multiple awards at international festivals, including Best Original Screenplay (Indie Soul Award) at the Boston International Film Festival, Audience Choice Award for Best South Asian Film at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Best Woman Director (Jury) and Best Supporting Actress at the Ayodhya Film Festival, Best Student Film at Synergy Film Festival, and the Indie Spirit Award at Idyllwild. The film has also been screened or recognized at prestigious events such as the Chicago South Asian Film Festival and the Beverly Hills International Film Festival.

Smahi continues to advocate for gender equality behind the camera and to inspire future generations of filmmakers by telling bold, inclusive stories that spark meaningful conversation and positive change.