Payal Sethi

Payal Sethi (she/her) creates vivid narratives that center compelling female characters and bring overlooked realities into focus. A graduate of Vassar College and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, her (...) portfolio spans both fiction and documentary films, showcased at international film festivals including Tampere, Durban, Sapporo, and Palm Springs ShortFest, and distributed on Amazon Prime and MUBI. Her short film, "Leeches" not only garnered the National Film Award in India but also the International Grand Prix at the Brussels Short Festival, resonating with audiences at over 70 festivals globally. Payal's commitment to cinematic storytelling is underscored by her participation in renowned industry programs including Berlinale Talents, Produire au Sud, Cine Qua Non Lab, (iDM's) Talent & Short Film Market & B3 Hessen Lab. Recently honoured with the Kompagnon Fellowship from Perspektive Deutsches Kino & Berlinale Talents for her feature screenplay "Kurinji," Payal continues her filmmaking journey in Stuttgart, where she resides with her partner and son.