Sudeshna Sen was awarded CityArtist 2022 by the City of Seattle’s Office of Arts and Culture. Previously she was a nominee for the inaugural Of a Certain Age grant honoring Lynn Shelton. ANU is her first feature film. She describes herself as a filmmaker of quiet moments, interludes of meaning and emotion that are unforgettable to those in it, and unknown to others. An Indian American filmmaker, Sudeshna grew up in India and Japan before moving to the United States for graduate school. Sudeshna’s short film MEHNDI premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival, and played at over twenty festivals including Outfest LA, WickedQueer, New York Indian Film Festival, Vancouver South Asian Film Festival and Chicago South Asian Film Festival among others. Sudeshna is a member of Alliance of Women Directors, Women in Film and serves on the board of Northwest Film Forum. She holds a doctorate in Japanese Literature (UOregon 2002).
Narrative
ANU (www.anufilm.com)
ANU is a heartwarming coming-of-age story of a twelve-year-old coming to terms with the passing of her devoted grandfather. Centered on a South Asian family, the film explores themes of love and loss through the eyes of a child. It’s a funny and empowering story about the pain and the joys of growing up. The feature debut of Sudeshna Sen, ANU gives us the rare opportunity to talk about the grieving process of children. Premiered May 14 2023 at SIFF Cinema Egyptian and May 15 2023 at Shoreline Community College, as part of Seattle International Film Festival. Available on Amazon Prime. |
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Mehndi (2018)
On the threshold of womanhood, amidst the bright colorful flurry of an Indian bridal shower, two young girls pass a secret designed to alter their lives forever Currently streaming on Revry Channel. Watch the film here. |
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Julia's Farm (2015) After spending many years waiting to retire and wanting to buy her dream farm, Julia finally gets it - but not in the way she expects. Currently streaming on Evergreen Channel @evrgrn Watch full film here |
Documentary
Turret Syndrome (2016) Things you see when you hide in plain sight at one of Seattle's busiest corners for 15 years. Watch full film |
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Urban Street Gallery (2016) A short film about the confluence of art, urbanism, drug wars, gang violence and the future of black youth. How can art shape a community? Watch film here |