In the rapidly changing world of cinema, few talents stand out like Vibha Kulkarni. Known for her remarkable ability to weave compelling stories both as a writer and a director, Kulkarni has gained attention at prestigious film festivals worldwide. We had the pleasure of speaking with her about her journey, creative process, and recent achievements.
The Storyteller’s Journey: A Conversation with Vibha Kulkarni
Interviewer: Your film “Chasing Red Flags” recently won the Award of Recognition for Creativity and Originality at the Best Shorts Competition. As both the writer and director, how did you approach this project?
Kulkarni: Writing and directing “Chasing Red Flags” was a deeply personal experience. The film explores modern dating culture from a woman’s perspective, drawing heavily on my own experiences. I wanted the story to be relatable, yet visually unique, blending reality and fantasy without relying on post-production. We storyboarded and filmed the entire fantasy sequence live. Winning recognition at the Best Shorts Competition, which is an IMDb-qualified festival, was a huge validation of our hard work.
Interviewer: “Aro’s World” has been gaining traction on the festival circuit, winning at the Chicago Horror Film Festival. How do you balance your roles as both writer and director across different genres?
Kulkarni: Jumping between genres is always exciting for me. “Aro’s World” was a challenge because it’s a psychological horror seen from a child’s perspective. Writing the script helped shape the narrative, but directing allowed me to add depth and layers to the story. Working with my young lead, whom I personally discovered, gave me the opportunity to showcase the story’s themes through his eyes. The film’s success at festivals like AFI FEST and LA Shorts proves that audiences connect with this approach.
Interviewer: Your film “Letters from the Past” earned a Best Actress award at the Filmfare India International Film Festival. How does your writing process influence the way you direct actors?
Kulkarni: My writing is very character-centric, which influences how I direct. In “Letters from the Past,” I had a strong sense of each character’s emotional journey. This helped guide my work with the actors, especially Lata Khubchandani, whose portrayal won her the Best Actress award. Casting is intuitive for me; I cast both Lata and Kaya Johnson after seeing qualities in them that perfectly matched the characters I had envisioned.
Interviewer: Your 2016 short film “The Lost Son” was recently selected for the Pune Short Film Festival. How has your approach to filmmaking evolved since then?
Kulkarni: “The Lost Son” was a significant project for me, and since then, I’ve refined my skills in both writing and directing. I now have a much clearer vision of the world and characters as soon as I begin writing. As a director, I focus more on the visual aspect of storytelling. The fact that “The Lost Son” is still being recognized years later shows the lasting power of authentic storytelling.
Interviewer: You’ve worked across a range of genres, from horror to drama, and formats, from shorts to features. How do you select your projects?
Kulkarni: I choose stories that challenge me, both as a writer and a director. Whether it’s the chilling horror of “Aro’s World” or the emotional depth in “Letters from the Past,” I look for narratives that push my creative limits. The variety in my work reflects my belief that a good story transcends genres.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who want to succeed in both writing and directing?
Kulkarni: Embrace both roles fully. Writing helps you understand the core of the story and the characters, which is invaluable when directing. On the flip side, directing makes you more visual and cinematic in your writing. It’s important to remember that writing for the screen is a different beast than writing for other mediums, like novels.
As our conversation wrapped up, it became clear that Kulkarni’s dual expertise in writing and directing is what sets her apart in the industry. Her ability to craft rich narratives and bring them to life on screen has earned her accolades from prestigious film festivals. With a portfolio spanning multiple genres and formats, Vibha Kulkarni is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of filmmaking.
