HAUNTED HERITAGE, 14min., India
Directed by Surina Narula
“Haunted Heritage” reframes the haunted-house narrative as a power play between past and present, exposing how inherited privilege and unexamined racism persist across cultures and how the ghosts we fight often mirror the ones we carry.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

During the pandemic, when prolonged isolation led me to reflect on how fear can revive old prejudices. I started asking myself: can fear and uncertainty awaken biases we believe we’ve left behind? The ghost in this film became a metaphor for those inherited fears and biases that continue to haunt us. At its heart, this film carries an unexpected message. For me, the real exorcism is forgiveness. The ghost isn’t banished by force, it is finally laid to rest through forgiveness and compassion. That’s the lesson I wanted to explore.

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

From idea to finished product, this took time. As it was my first time directing, I wanted to take my time. The shoot was 3 days, plus an extra day later to explore different shots and emotions. This topic is important to me, and I wanted it to be perceived in different ways. Shot end of 2024, completed mid-2025 with editing and sound.

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

Inherited Prejudice.

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

The biggest obstacle I faced in completing this film was that it was my first time handling a crew and being in charge of major decision-making. Every choice felt significant, and there was so much to learn, from communicating my vision clearly to trusting my instincts under pressure. But it was a privilege. I learnt a lot about myself as a director, about collaboration, and about what it truly takes to bring a story to life.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Watching the feedback video was surreal and humbling. I want to thank the three women who gave me their thoughts, I am really pleased they understood my intention for making this film: the consequences of family trauma and legacy. That blend of humour and heart was exactly what I hoped for.

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

I realised I wanted to make films when I understood the power of holding a mirror up to uncomfortable truths.

There are so many important conversations happening around us, so many different voices and experiences, yet so much of it is never truly seen on screen. I wanted to change that. Through my experience serving on the boards of different charities and working with street children, I’ve seen firsthand the stories that deserve to be told. That’s what drew me to filmmaking. I want to make impact films, films that do more than entertain, but spark conversations, challenge perspectives and, hopefully, create change.

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

I don’t tend to watch the same films over and over, as I like exploring different genres and directors, but Chicago is probably one of the films I’ve returned to the most. I love Rob Marshall’s direction and the way he combines theatricality with such strong cinematic visual storytelling.

Get Out is another film I’ve revisited several times. It had a huge impact on me and really inspired me to get into filmmaking. I often reference it when starting a project, particularly when thinking about tone, atmosphere and how to tell a meaningful story while still keeping an audience completely engaged.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I would value more opportunities for feedback and mentorship from experienced filmmakers and industry professionals. I’m also very interested in networking events and the chance to be fully immersed in the festival environment, meeting other filmmakers, discovering new work and building genuine connections within the industry.

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

NewBornFilm Agency submitted this particular film on my behalf, but I do have previous experience using FilmFreeway myself. I’ve always found it to be a very smooth and straightforward platform.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My favourite meal is really any meal where I’m surrounded by family and friends. I love that sense of community around a table. For me, the people I’m with and the atmosphere matter more than the actual dish.

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

I’m very excited to be making another short film, Guneet Comes Home. It’s a dark comedy ghost story exploring the difficult subject of honour killing. It’s a challenging topic, but one I feel strongly about, and I hope the film can start conversations, challenge perceptions and create some meaningful change.