Rising Stars: Meet Janhavi Sawant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janhavi Sawant.

Hi Janhavi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have worked since the age of 18 as a content writer, copywriter, and scriptwriter not only to be financially independent but also to keep learning and growing. Even though I was exposed to the professional world early on my journey started when I accidentally got into the Bachelors Film and Television program back in India, Mumbai. I knew that I wanted to get into media but the kind of media was unknown to me. Through that program, I discovered my passion for films but I wasn’t as confident as I would like to be and so I decided to pursue my masters at The Savannah College of Art and Design. If I’m being honest, it was and still is difficult to adapt a whole new culture and move countries. Despite that, I’m grateful because it is here that I met the artist in me and found what drives me. Being on multiple student film sets, where most were led by me as a Director, some 1st AD and a few as a Producer, gave me the confidence to become a leader and find my passion. At SCAD for my thesis, I defended how Slice-of-Life is a genre with the themes of Romance, Drama and Tragedy and Directed a short film called ‘Last Date’ to prove the same. There is still a long way to go but I’m thrilled and nervous for all the experiences that will come my way!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say it is much better now but it always wasn’t like that. Coming from another country, it isn’t always easy to adjust and call a place home. Due to the very same reason, I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns and poor mental health but what kept me going was the art I wanted to create, make and get out there. Struggles never end and that is what keeps you going and moving forward. I have started applying for jobs and due to the writer’s strike, there are less and less productions happening which in turn is affecting because there are rejections coming left and right. It does arouse a sense of self-doubt, failure but I find other things like reading and painting to motivate myself, get a fresh mindset and keep applying again.

Thankfully I’m in a much better place now and looking forward to the many opportunities that are coming my way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Until last quarter I was a student but now I’m on my way to enter the professional world. I specialize in direction but to begin my career with I am interested in started as director’s assistant or other production job that will get me closer to my dream.

I’m most proud of my latest film called ‘Last Date’ as I discovered my process as a Director and also came closer to the kind of films I want to make. I want to be known for embracing human flaws in my films and giving my characters a chance to grow an be independent. We see a lot of films filled with drama but what sets me apart is my ability to see beauty in the mundane and structure it to make slice-of-life cinema.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The 17-year-old me always though that all that matters is the end goal and what you achieve. I am 24 today (I know still very young) and through whatever experiences I’ve had, I’ve realized how important it is to trust the process and depend on the process and just go with the process without worrying too much about the end goal. If right now you’re giving everything to the work at hand, the end goal will be fruitful. The future will take place if you just keep shaping your present.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://janhavisawant1312.wixsite.com/janhavi-sawant
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janhavisawant/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janhavi-sawant-140975236?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3ByHY7XLWYR4ahVYy0jcHfrQ%3D%3D
• Other: https://youtu.be/qxxAfixuls8