Q&A with NYFA Filmmaking Alum Smahi Anand

NYFA Alum Smahi Anand graduated from the BFA in Filmmaking program at the Los Angeles campus in 2024. Originally from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, Smahi is a filmmaker whose work boldly explores themes of identity, gender, and cultural taboos. From shooting short films on her phone as a teenager to directing award-winning projects, Smahi’s creative journey has been defined by a deep commitment to socially conscious storytelling. Check out this Q&A and learn more about Smahi and her career. 

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

Smahi Anand: I'm Smahi Anand, a filmmaker originally from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. From a young age, I was captivated by the world of cinema—particularly stories that reflect the complexities of identity, gender, and cultural expectations. I began experimenting with storytelling through photography and eventually started shooting short films on my phone as a teenager. Growing up in a community where certain topics were often considered taboo, I found creative expression to be my way of asking questions and sparking conversations. 

That passion eventually led me to pursue a BFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where I graduated in 2024. I was especially drawn to NYFA for its immersive, hands-on curriculum and the opportunity to work on sets from the very first semester. I wanted a program that emphasized not just technical skill, but also gave me the creative freedom to explore socially conscious narratives—and NYFA gave me exactly that. Being surrounded by such a diverse, global community of artists also shaped me as a filmmaker and deepened my understanding of the kind of stories I want to tell. 

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

Smahi Anand:  Since graduating, I’ve worked on several meaningful projects that have received recognition at various international film festivals. 

Most notably, I directed Daffodils, a short film that won Best Short Film and the Festival Producer’s Trophy at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2024, a festival known for uplifting bold and original voices in independent cinema. The film also had a prestigious screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, which was a huge milestone and personal honor. 

Another deeply personal project I directed is Silent Cycle, which was also my thesis film at the New York Film Academy. The story explores the intergenerational silence and stigma surrounding menstruation in Indian households, inspired by my own upbringing and the unspoken rules I encountered around this topic. The film aims to open up dialogue on a subject often shrouded in shame. 

Since graduating, Silent Cycle has had an incredible journey on the festival circuit. It was an Official Selection at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (2024) and screened at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film went on to win Best Original Screenplay (Indie Soul Award) at the Boston International Film Festival (2025), Best Woman Director (Jury) and Best Supporting Actress at the Ayodhya Film Festival (2024), Audience Choice Award for Best South Asian Film at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (2025), Best Student Film at Synergy Film Festival, the Indie Spirit Award at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (2025), and Best Women Film at the Crown Wood International Film Festival. It was also selected or nominated by prestigious festivals including the Beverly Hills International Film Festival, Watersprite Film Festival, Wyoming International Film Festival, Pasadena International Film Festival, Yellowstone International Film Festival, Ahmedabad International Children’s Film Festival, and the 8th International Women Filmmakers Festival. These recognitions have been especially meaningful because they affirm the urgency of telling stories that challenge taboos and advocate for open, intergenerational conversations. 

Additionally, I directed an independent short film called The Account, which explores misogyny and gender politics within the corporate world. I was approached by the screenwriter to direct the film, and I was drawn to the raw honesty of the script. It was a rewarding experience collaborating with a talented team to bring this socially relevant narrative to life, and I’m currently submitting it to festivals. 

BTS of the film The Silent Cycle

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

I’ve recently started working as an independent producer, and my latest project is a short film titled The Uninvited Child. The story deals with the emotional and social challenges surrounding premarital pregnancy and the stigma it carries, particularly from the perspective of the woman’s fiancé and his family. The narrative takes a powerful turn when the protagonist’s young daughter, Jiya, goes missing — an event that forces her to confront not only her fears but also the deeper meaning and strength of motherhood. 

I was approached to produce the film by a friend who had attended the TCL Chinese Theatre screening of The Silent Cycle and was moved by the storytelling and themes I tend to explore in my work. They believed my voice and sensibility could help shape this project with the sensitivity and emotional depth it required. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support a story that tackles difficult cultural taboos and challenges societal norms — values that are central to the kind of work I strive to do. 

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

NYFA’s practical, production-heavy approach gave me a deep understanding of the filmmaking process—from script to screen. I especially leaned on the skills I developed in directing actors, creating detailed shooting schedules, and working under tight budgets and timelines. Courses in visual storytelling and producing were instrumental in helping me navigate both the creative and logistical side of films. 

NYFA Alumni Network congratulates Smahi on all her success!