Since her residency at KPU began in May, the KDocsFF Emerging Filmmaker Shanthini Balasubramanian has been working on her film projects while consulting with the University’s film studies faculty. As a capstone to her residency, Shanthini will be sharing her short film, Velvet Secrets, with the KPU community. This special screening event will include a keynote, a panel discussion, and a reception.
When: August 29, 2025, 10:00am-1:00pm
Where: Fir 328, KPU Surrey campus, 12666 72nd Avenue
Registration: free, but seating is limited — email
R3JlZyAhIGNoYW4gfCBrcHUgISBjYQ== to secure your spot
Logline:
Asha’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a revealing red velvet dress in her daughter's room. Her curiosity leads her to try it on, sparking a journey of self-exploration and empathy.
Director’s Statement:
Being surrounded by such complex and strong Tamil women motivated me to bring these untold desires to a wider audience. These women, including myself, are often navigating the intricate web of cultural expectations and societal pressures. As a director, my vision stems from the need to shed light on the complexities of familial relationships, especially the often-overlooked dynamic between mothers and daughters. As a first-generation Canadian, I’ve struggled with the duality of maintaining cultural roots while embracing a
Canadian upbringing. The relationship between Asha and Deepthi is something very similar to the one I share with my own mother. At times, it feels like I’m never "Indian enough" for her. I understand her worldview, shaped by a life in India, but I wish for her to understand mine as well. I want to show how both perspectives-while different- can beautifully coexist, even without full agreement. Through Velvet Secrets I aim to invite audiences into the unexplored, intimate spaces of South Asian homes, fostering empathy for the complexities faced by women like Asha and Deepthi. At the same time, we must
acknowledge that this story could just as easily belong to the other aunties in the film- Lakshmi, Ranjani, Madhumitha, or Durga. The film aspires to be a catalyst for conversations on cultural expectations, generational gaps, and the transformative power of acceptance. As a filmmaker, I hope Velvet Secrets transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with audiences globally.
Beyond its South Asian lens, the universal themes of identity, acceptance, and family lie at the heart of the narrative, offering a mirror to the beauty and challenges of embracing one's cultural heritage and femininity in an ever-evolving world.
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