KABIR SAHNI
Filmmaker, Photographer
I am Kabir Sahni, a filmmaker, photographer, and cinematographer with a deep passion for visual storytelling. My work spans across experimental short films, documentary-style photography, and commercial projects, blending cinematic techniques with raw, authentic narratives. As a film school graduate, I have spent the past few years crafting stories that explore themes of human emotion, existentialism, and cultural shifts, always striving to push creative boundaries.
Music has always been my greatest inspiration, shaping the way I perceive and create visuals. I am fascinated by the interplay between sound and imagery—how rhythm, tone, and emotion can influence storytelling. This passion drives me to explore music through visuals, crafting narratives that feel immersive, rhythmic, and emotionally resonant.
My approach to filmmaking is best reflected in my award-winning short films Naadiyah and L’idiot, both of which have been recognized across multiple film festivals. Naadiyah is a psychological drama that weaves suspense with personal grief, using dreamlike sequences and an emotionally charged soundtrack to enhance its depth. L’idiot, a dark comedy and neo-noir film, experiments with unconventional storytelling and sharp visual contrasts, earning accolades for its direction and screenplay. Both films embody my commitment to pushing narrative and visual boundaries, using music and imagery to elevate storytelling.
Beyond films, I curate photo series such as Khatam Jawani, which reflects on youth and aging, and Hippies in the 60s, a modern interpretation of countercultural freedom. My passion projects like Smiling Mannequins and Kaar.zan take these explorations further, blending surrealism, nostalgia, and immersive POV-driven visuals.
I also co-founded Handheld Film Company, a production house dedicated to experimental films for festivals and independent projects.
My work extends beyond filmmaking into curating exhibitions, redesigning everyday objects like matchbox covers into collectible art, and collaborating with brands to create compelling visual content.
At the heart of my work is an ongoing exploration of the world through a lens—capturing fleeting moments, untold stories, and the emotions that define us, all through the rhythm and language of music.