Celebrated filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari captivated audiences at the India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) with her insights into crafting stories that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. Renowned for her ability to weave authentic narratives, Ashwiny shared how locations play an integral role in her filmmaking process, becoming characters in their own right.
“Every place has a soul—a fragrance, a rhythm, a story waiting to be told,” she remarked. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Agra, the vibrant alleys of Bareilly, or the serene coastline of Kokan, Ashwiny delves into the cultural essence of each location, letting it shape her storytelling.
Her acclaimed film Bareilly Ki Barfi exemplifies this approach, capturing the quirks and charm of small-town India with universal resonance. Reflecting on her process, she shared a vivid anecdote: “Once, during a shoot, I sat reversed on a scooter while holding the camera just to capture the rawness of a busy marketplace.”
Ashwiny’s creative pursuits have also taken her beyond Indian borders. Filming in Serbia for an international project proved to be a transformative experience. “Serbia has a controlled, almost poetic quality to its streets. Shooting there taught me the beauty of working within constraints while still bringing my vision to life,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the unique challenges of filmmaking abroad. “Filmmaking in India often has a certain spontaneity—we can adapt and innovate on the fly. Abroad, you work with rigid schedules, permits, and a precision-driven crew. It pushes you to plan meticulously, but it also opens your eyes to a whole new way of storytelling,” Ashwiny explained.
The contrast between India’s fluid, dynamic sets and the structured approach of international crews has enriched her craft. “In Serbia, every second of shoot time is accounted for, which can be challenging but also rewarding. Back in India, the flexibility allows for a more organic process, but that chaos has its charm,” she added.
Despite the differences in approach, Ashwiny finds a unifying thread in how locations inspire her. “Every place—a small Indian town or a European city—has a unique voice. It’s my job to listen and translate that voice into a story,” she said.
From the colorful chaos of Bareilly to the poetic streets of Serbia, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari continues to showcase how storytelling transcends borders, finding its essence in the people and places that shape it.
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