Q&A with NYFA Filmmaking Alum Rushan Jesani

Since his graduation, NYFA Alum Rushan Jesani has worked on over 30 projects, including short films, music videos, and festival-winning narratives that reflect his grounded, emotionally resonant approach to storytelling. Through each project, Rushan continues to push creative boundaries while staying deeply connected to his roots—and his mission to tell stories that matter. In this Q&A he talks about his career after graduating and his future projects.

NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?

R.J: I’m Rushan Jesani, an award-winning writer-director and assistant director originally from Bombay. My journey into filmmaking began back home, where I had the privilege of studying under the legendary director Ramesh Sippy. That mentorship laid the foundation for my approach to storytelling—grounded, human, and emotionally resonant. I later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a Master’s in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. What drew me there was the hands-on, immersive learning environment. I didn’t want to just study film—I wanted to live it, practice it, and keep growing. Over the course of working on more than 30 projects, I’ve come to see filmmaking as a deeply personal medium. For me, it’s not just about telling stories—it’s about connecting with people, challenging myself, and turning dreams into reality. One belief that continues to guide me is: “If you accept your dreams, you won’t accept your life. If you accept your life, you won’t go for your dreams.” That’s why I’m here—I’m not just chasing dreams, I’m building them, one film at a time.

NYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? Have you won any awards or been showcased in any festivals or competitions?

R.J: Since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a range of projects as a writer, director, and producer, including short films and music videos that have been recognized both nationally and internationally. My short film Khadda (2024), which I wrote, directed, and produced, has had a strong festival run and continues to gain recognition. It was an Official Selection at prestigious festivals such as the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (2023) and the Fastnet Film Festival. Some of the honors it received include:

     •     Winner – Best Screenplay at Idyllwild International Film Festival 2025

     •     Vanguard Award – Best Short Film in a Featurette

     •     Vanguard Award – Best Actor in a Featurette

     •     Winner – Best Debut Director at Ayodhya Film Festival 2024

     •     Winner – Best Short Film (Jury) at LakeCity International Film Festival 2024

     •     Winner – Best Director at Siliguri International Film Festival 2024

     •     Special Mention at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) and Yellowstone Film Festival 2024

     •     Official Selections at New Delhi IFF, Darbhanga IFF, Wyoming IFF 2025, Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) – a Canadian Screen Award-qualifying and Telefilm Canada-qualifying festival

In addition, I directed and produced a music video titled Breathing Without You (2024), which has also received recognition:

     •     Special Jury Award – Athvikvaruni International Film Festival 2025

     •     Best Foreign Music Video – International Star Film Festival Awards 2025

     •     Official Selection – 5th Kerala Short Film Festival 2025

Another recent project is my short film Sundown (2024), which I also wrote, directed, and produced. It was showcased at the USIA Film Festival 2024 and the 5th Kerala Short Film Festival 2025. I also recently directed a music video for a Canadian band called Parachute Thieves. Collaborating with them was an incredible experience—their music is powerful and heartfelt, and I’m truly excited to share this video with the world soon. These projects have been a great blend of creative challenge and growth, and I’m grateful for the recognition they’ve received. They keep pushing me forward to tell more bold, honest, and meaningful stories.

NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about your latest project & how you got involved in the project?

R.J: Lately, I’ve been involved in a range of exciting projects across both music and film. One of my most recent experiences was directing a music video for the Canadian band Parachute Thieves. It was an incredible collaboration—their music is powerful, emotional, and aligned perfectly with my storytelling style. I also had the chance to be involved in another major music video: “Tell Me”—a unique collaboration between Karan Aujla and OneRepublic. Working on something with such global reach was a surreal and rewarding experience. Whether it’s a music video, a short film, or a feature, the common thread in all these opportunities has been taking the initiative to approach and connect with creatives. That mindset has shaped my journey—whether I’m pitching myself for a project or developing my own. Right now, I’m fully focused on bringing my debut feature film to life. It’s a passion project, and everything I’ve learned from past experiences—across over 30 projects—has been building toward this moment. I’m putting everything into making it happen.

NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project and others?

R.J: One of the most valuable lessons I learned at NYFA was the importance of being creatively consistent. The program was intense and hands-on—we were constantly writing scripts, directing scenes, working on sets, and collaborating with classmates. That rhythm of always creating, no matter how big or small the project, taught me discipline and creative stamina.

It wasn’t just about making films—it was about learning how to collaborate effectively, manage time, and contribute to every aspect of production, whether I was directing or working as part of the crew. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to shape the way I approach every project today.

NYFA Alumni Network: Are you currently working on any future projects?

R.J: Yes. This story is deeply personal to me. My great-grandmother often shares how, during a time of great hardship, our family’s two goats helped sustain them. She recalls how nineteen displaced people arrived at their home after losing everything, and how she cooked and cared for them, with the goats providing for them all. She’s 92 now, and though she remembers little of me, she vividly recalls these moments—acts of kindness and survival that defined her life. Hearing her story has always moved me, and I want to make this film as a tribute—not just to her, but to all those who were forced to leave their homes, carrying their memories and resilience with them. This is my gift to them.

NYFA Alumni Network congratulates Rushan on all his success!