Shanaya’s Path follows the intimate journey of Shanaya, a young person from Darjeeling who identifies as a woman and dreams of transitioning despite immense social and familial resistance. Since gender norms are rigid and visibility for trans people is scarce in her home town, Shanaya leaves for New Delhi, but her desire to become her true self is met with hostility, shame, and fear.

1. What motivated you to make this film? 

I am very interested in how a person can change. I underwent a period of deep change at the end of 2019 and it lasted a few years. These were fundamental changes where I questioned what had been the status quo of my own life and personality up to that point. I have often admired transgender people for their ability and energy to fundamentally change their whole world despite immense resistance, which is much deeper than the changes I made in my own life. Transgender people are the bravest people I know.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About 5 years.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Deep, moving.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

There was a moment when the project was at the point of collapse when Covid-19 broke out. International travel was severely hampered and close public contact prohibited, which the project depended upon.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

I love being in India and have been there so many times, I have lost count. India is always so full of energy, beautiful and horrific at the same time, and I can’t help myself recording it, so my favourite filmmaking process is Production, at least when it comes to India.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

In 2019 I was on my way to Lumbini to take photos for an NGO there. I was planning to stop in Delhi and then take the train. I met Shanaya at that time and listened to her story. I immediately realised that I wanted to record her amazing story, but I also knew that photos would not do it justice. So I started filming.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

I have no idea but I like to revisit film sequences, usually for the interplay of music and picture. There are some sequences that move me to tears every time.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

I would like to shoot a music video with Marwan Pablo, a rapper from Cairo.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Pretty good platform and keeps everything in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Dal Tadka with garlic Naan and Masala Chai.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am planning a new big project in India which may go in production this year, otherwise next year. The title is: “Ganga – A Sacred Journey Of Rebirth”. There is a (small) change it may still change.