NYFA Alum Santhosh Ram Mavuri is a recent graduate from the MFA Filmmaking program at the LA campus. Since graduating Santhosh has worked on several projects, including an Indian USA feature series available on Netflix. His thesis film "Weave of Culture" is currently in the festival circuit, while Santhosh is also developing a feature adaptation of the film.
He spoke to us about the making of his thesis film and his career after graduation.
NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?
S.R.M: Greetings, readers! I'm Santhosh Ram Mavuri, hailing from a humble business family in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India. From a young age, my passion for the film industry, inspired by the Harry Potter series, fueled my ambition to become an actor or director. After completing my schooling, I ventured to Bangalore to pursue a degree in Business Administration. It was during my college years that I delved into Indian regional cinema and world films, further igniting my desire to become a filmmaker. With newfound confidence after directing my first short film, "Yellow," I was determined to deepen my knowledge and skills in filmmaking. The New York Film Academy (NYFA) had always been a beacon in my educational journey, and I successfully persuaded my parents to support my pursuit of a Masters in Filmmaking in Los Angeles. Arriving in LA to pursue my dream feels like a stroke of luck and a true blessing.
NYFA Alumni Network: What projects have you worked on since graduating? Have you won any awards or been showcased in any festivals or competitions?
S.R.M: Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in the film industry, contributing as an Associate Producer for the eagerly anticipated sequel, "Gatham 2," a part of the Indian USA feature series available on Netflix. With the first installment having garnered acclaim, anticipation for the second part is high. Concurrently, I'm actively involved in raising funds for a captivating short film titled "Mermaids," helmed by director Adriana Vecchioli. Moreover, my thesis film, "Weave of Culture," continues to make waves in the festival circuit, earning prestigious accolades such as the Remi Award at World Fest Houston, Indie Soul Special Recognition Award at Boston International Film Festival, and Best Film at the 8th Indian World Film Festival. Additionally, it stands as a finalist at the USA Film Festival, with expectations of further recognition on the horizon.
NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about your latest project?
S.R.M: Recently wrapped up an exhilarating impromptu project shot at Coachella alongside some talented NYFA colleagues, and I'm thrilled with the outcome. Currently in post-production, this project serves as a Proof Of Concept for a feature I've been envisioning for EDC, though it didn't materialize there, I'm delighted we seized the opportunity at Coachella. Meanwhile, fundraising for Adriana's "Mermaids" is progressing smoothly, with around 50K already secured. Additionally, I'm juggling multiple projects, including the development of the feature adaptation of "Weave Of Culture" and an Indian US Christmas romantic comedy film.
NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project and others?
S.R.M: Having professors like David Newman and Bruce McWilliams at NYFA has been a stroke of luck. Their insights into directing and actor communication were instrumental in the making of "Weave of Culture." Each lesson absorbed at NYFA has directly elevated the quality of my projects.
NYFA congratulates Santhosh on all his success!
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