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    Cinema as Compassion, Story as Witness

    • 19.11.2025
    • By Neha Negi
    Creative First

    In this special Industry Spotlight, a WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 feature , filmmaker and writer Neha Negi joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association, to reflect on her creative journey. She spoke about how studying filmmaking at Jamia first drew her behind the camera, giving her the tools to tell stories with intent and agency.

    Neha discussed the origins of Chhavni, a deeply personal script exploring domestic violence through a fantasy lens, and shared how the 2023 NFDC Screenwriters Lab had transformed her understanding of structure, character, and craft. She also described the distinct challenges of writing for visual and audio formats, noting how her work for Audible strengthened her approach to sound and storytelling. Whether in documentary or fiction,

    Neha explained that her filmmaking stemmed from a desire to make people feel seen and to use narrative as a subtle catalyst for change. She encouraged future applicants to submit stories that mattered to them – scripts with purpose, honesty, and the potential to grow within the lab’s rigor and mentorship.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Neha Negi

    Neha Negi is a filmmaker and writer based in Bombay, and an alumna of MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. She began her career in the camera department before moving into direction, and has since contributed to nine films and series along with numerous ad campaigns. Her writing work includes an original series for Amazon Audible, screenplays for CinePlay, and multiple commissions from various production houses. Neha’s work is driven by a commitment to tell stories that amplify diverse voices and purpose. She has directed two documentaries—Unlikely Match, which explores three unconventional animal-care initiatives, and Neel Gagan ke Saathi, which follows the lives and aspirations of track-and-field athletes from Haryana. She has also directed music videos, commercials, and films for organisations.