We were lucky to catch up with Urmee Saiya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Urmee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a child, I used to watch a lot of films with my family and I guess that is what started my love for the arts. Going to rent DVD’s with my father for the weekend is one of my fondest memories. What further strengthened my love for movies was watching them as part of the movie appreciation club in school, delving deeper into what made the films great. I felt that movies were a great medium to express emotions and opinions. It gave me a medium to show the world who I am. Sometimes expressing thoughts and emotions can be difficult but movies are an excellent platform which combines visuals and dialogue making self expression easier. As an introvert, figuring out that telling stories, sharing my thoughts and emotions through the visual medium of cinema fulfilled my need of self expression, made me sure of pursuing a creative path professionally.

Urmee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

To all the readers, let me introduce myself. My name is Urmee Saiya, I’m a writer and director from India. I am currently located in Los Angeles, California, As a writer, I find inspiration in the ordinary moments of everyday life, elevating the commonplace to the realm of the extraordinary. It’s in the quiet conversations over morning coffee, the fleeting glances exchanged between strangers on a crowded street, and the subtle nuances of human interaction that I discover the raw material for storytelling. By delving into the depths of the seemingly routine, I unearth the universal truths that bind us all together—the hopes, dreams, fears, and desires that shape our shared human experience. In my work, I seek to peel back the layers of the ordinary, revealing the extraordinary beauty and complexity that lies beneath. Through keen observation and a reverence for the small moments that make life rich, I strive to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, inviting them to see the world through a new lens and find wonder in the seemingly mundane. As a director, I embrace the diversity of storytelling, always eager to explore new genres, themes, and mediums. I thrive on the challenge of adapting my vision to suit the unique essence of each project. I approach every opportunity with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that each collaboration is a fulfilling and transformative experience for both myself and the audience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the profound connection forged between creator and audience through the shared exchange of thoughts, emotions, and opinions. It’s the exhilarating feeling of seeing a piece of your soul laid bare on canvas or screen, resonating with others in ways you never imagined. The freedom to express oneself authentically. As an artist, you have the opportunity to challenge perceptions, ignite change, and leave a lasting impact on society through the unique lens of your creativity.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, there are several ways that society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. Fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition for the arts is crucial, celebrating the contributions of artists and creatives to society and acknowledging their importance in shaping our cultural identity. Creating spaces for collaboration and networking within the creative community can also be beneficial, facilitating connections between artists, creatives, and potential collaborators to inspire innovation and exchange ideas. Prioritizing arts education in schools and communities can cultivate a new generation of creative thinkers and consumers, nurturing an appreciation for the arts from an early age.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @urmeeasaiya
• Linkedin: Urmee Saiya
• Other: Instagram – @thelettershortfilm