Our Voices in Media

Shalini's Work is a "Calling"

2007-07-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I sat down with a friend of Shalini's, Richard Wright, who is co-producer for a project called Transdub Massiv, supporting up and coming Jamaican acts. "We are on a European label, which is why nobody in the United States is familiar with us, but we tour Europe almost every year which feel amazing", Richard commented. Shalini and Richard met at Hampshire College in 1995. "She was one of the first persons of color that approached me there. Shalini and I both give voices to people whose voices are shut down for one reason or another. Film-making is her calling."

View Richard's website at www.transdub.massiv.com

Our Favorite Filmmaker,Shalini, Gets Cut from On The Lot

2007-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, last week Shalini's film didn't make the cut and Shalini left her dream of becoming Fox's newest director behind. "I am really proud of the body of work I've created and I have grown as a person as well", she commented during her exit interview. Shalini was one of two women to make the top ten out of 12,000 filmmakers and that's INCREDIBLE! Well, Shalini's dream is just beginning to flourish so stay tuned for incredible work to come from our hero...

Ally of Shalani, Ocean Robbins says "Yes" to Supporting Filmakers with a Message!

2007-07-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ocean Robbins, a good friend of Shalini's. Ocean is the founder of YES!, a non-profit organization based in Soquel, that connects, inspires and empowers young change makers to join forces for a thriving, just and sustainable future. They have alumni from over 65 countries and are organizing events on five continents right now!

"We are looking at how we can deal with some of the issues that have been devastating people in communities for centuries in ways that community sovereignty is maintained, and that collective well-being is enhanced", Ocean commented.

How did you become connected with Shalini?

"Orginally, we hired her to produce a promotional film about our work with an extremely limited budget, and the result was fantastic! She wound up being more than just a filmaker...She jumped in as a facilitator during sessions... she brought so much wisdom , commitment and experience from her life journey to the table. "

What do you think is unique about Shalini's perspective?

"Her presence at our Jam Sessions were such an asset because the questions people were asking, the struggles they are engaged in, were also her struggles and her questions. An example is "How do you focus on what's the place of greatest importance, when there are so many things clamoring for attention around us? These kind of questions are real for all of us. The result - the Jam community felt a sense of rapport and safety with her that enabled her to capture much more than surface impressions."

"Shalini's work helps us to recognize our connection to issues and people and struggles in a very artistic and inspiring way. She has a passion for that."

Have you seen her films for "On the Lot"?

"I have seen them on the internet, that is my linking point. I am keeping tabs on her."

View Ocean's Websites at www.yesworld.org and www.yesjams.org

Vote for a movie with a message!!! 6804

2007-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Finally an intelligent statement from Gary Marshall!!!

I love that Shalini stands for making a difference...Carrie Fisher does not know what she is talking about!!!

To Vote for Shalini's film First Sight...

Call 1-888-435-6804

or

text 6804

or

visit thelot.com

Remember that 2 directors will get voted off this week...so...

VOTE A LOT!!!!

Vote for someone who is NOT afraid of a movie with a message...

SHALINI KANTAYYA

Keep up the good work girl!

Vote for Shalini Kantayya's film Doctor In-Law Tonight 6801

2007-06-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight Shalini stepped up...venturing into comedy again...

This time...

Lots of great reviews from all the judges and lots of giggles and belly laughs as my family sat around the TV watching On the Lot!

Doctor In-Law was the name of her film!

If you laughed at Doctor In-Law and you want to support Shalini

VOTE!!!!

Text 6801

or

Phone 888-435-6801

or

Vote at thelot.com

to sign up for updates on Shalini visit ourvoicesinmedia.com

Swati Argade Showcases Her New Line of Dresses on Shalini Kantayya

2007-06-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

The picture above is NYC/Bombay designer Swati Argade. Many of the amazing dresses that Shalini Kantayya wears On the Lot are from this brilliant designer. The picture below is OUR Shalini in one of Swati's dresses...this photo is highlighted on Swati's site...click here to view more designs!

CSR Wire--The Newswire of Corporate Social Responsiblity Writes About Shalini Kantayya

2007-06-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Shalini Kantayya is getting press attention from a variety of places...

Check out the article on CSRwire.com that ran today!!!

There will also be an article in India New England Newspaper

later this month highlighting Shalini Kantayya's work in films...

I will keep you posted on that release!

Shalini's Contestant Profile from On The Lot on Fox TV

2007-06-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Contestant Profile: Shalini Kantayya

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Hometown: Hartford, CT

Occupation: Freelance Director

Age: 30

Why am I here?

I am here to tell fantastic stories that move and inspire people across the world... stories of who we are and who we can become.

A quick tour of my life

As a first generation Indian American, I grew up straddling traditions, languages, and cultures. My mother raised us as a single-parent, and I learned quickly about hard work, determination, and tenacity. When I was nineteen, I visited a Buddhist monastery in South India, and knew there were experiences that I could not describe in words. I fell madly in love with visual images and began to see the world in a new way. After college, a year later, I quit my job, charged a video camera, and took off across the Caribbean and West Africa to make a documentary. For years, I slaved at every post-production house in New York City and would do ANYTHING to learn my craft. In ten years of living between the NYC indie film industry and Bollywood, I have filmed a Bengal tiger in the wild, interviewed His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, and made hip hop videos in the depths of Brooklyn. There is nowhere I wouldn't go, no mountain I wouldn't climb, in pursuit of a compelling story.

Describe yourself in one sentence...

I am a tech-head, a tree-hugger, a humanist.

Your theme song?

Mos Def's "Umi Says" from the album Black on Both Sides. It starts, "Umi says shine your light on the world, shine your light for the world can see..."

First movie you ever saw?

Seeing the film, GANDI, was the first memory I have of going to the cinema with my entire family. I was 7 and I fell asleep during the intermission of the three hour epic, but I have never forgotten the opening scene...

Favorite line from a movie?

"May the force be with you."

What made you want to be a filmmaker?

Why does anyone fall in love? Isn't it always a little irrational? My love for filmmaking was just that - impulsive, passionate, all-encompassing and without reason. But my love for visual storytelling also became integrated with my love for human rights. I always considered myself a humanist & was always inspired by stories of ordinary people who overcome seemingly insurmountable hardships. These are the stories I like to tell... Filmmaking is not just my profession. It's my calling.

When you make a film what do you want the audience to leave with?

I want audiences to FEEL something, even if it's uncomfortable. I think this always brings us closer to our own humanity.

When I'm behind the camera...

I feel the most at home. There is nothing I love more than a camera in my hands and wind in my hair.

What do you think it will be like working with other Directors?

It is an honor to be in a pool with some of the most talented emerging directors in the world. I am really excited - I think it's gonna be like boot camp. And I LOVE boot camp.

Movie that best encapsulates who you are?

Whalerider - a young woman whose destiny is to be king.

While On The Lot you have a week to make a film every week. What's the biggest challenge?

Breathing deeply & staying centered amidst crazy production schedules and high tension

When you get the power, how will you use it?

I think all of us already have the power. It's just that my moment has come to share powerful stories with the world, and I will use this to inspire and move people...

What's more important talent or ego?

Are you crazy? TALENT

Watch Shalini Kantayya Explain What Filmmaking Means to Her

2007-06-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of interviewing Shalini Kantayya for my radio show Lipstick Leadership about the issues she writes about and the story of why she became a filmmaker. I could write a novel on this topic...she describes her "calling" to film making so eloquently. But I thought it would be fun for you to see and hear for yourself.

Click Here and Listen to Shalini Describe Her Journey to Becoming a Director

Tuesday June 25th will begin another round of films to vote on...

TUNE IN on Fox on JUNE 25 and VOTE FOR SHALINI!!!

We will post voting instructions that night during the broadcast!

Vidur Kapur is the Comic in Shalini Kantayya's Short Film "Laughing Out Loud"

2007-06-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you that missed it...

Shalini Kantayya's short film

Laughing Out Loud: A Comic Journey -- On the Lot

that got such rave reviews featured her good friend and comedian Vidur Kapur.

Here is how you can see Shalini's work and some of Vidur Kapur's story.

View Laughing Out Loud Here

Don't forget to tune in Tuesday's on FOX and KEEP VOTING FOR SHALINI!!!

Shalini Makes the Cut-Top Twelve...Here I come!

2007-06-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

I was like a proud Mama watching Shalini make the cut last night on Fox's On The Lot! Her film from last week, "Laughing Out Loud", received the most cheers from the other 10 contestants, voting it the favorite out of the group of five contenders! Her short film, about an Indian comic coming to grips with his homosexuality, was in Bay's words, "a very succinct story that give me a chill". He raved, "You have the most visual style of anyone here tonight."

This puts Shalini in the top twelve spot after the next few rounds of cuts!
You go girl! Look-out Hollywood!

Keep watching though...It's because of all of you voting that keeps her there!

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

2007-06-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

We all have a past, it's can be good or not so great...but it is our past nevertheless.

I asked Shalini what was the bravest thing she has done personally.

"I met my estranged father after 25 years in South India.

He left my family when I was two years old and I haven't had any contact with him since. When I was 25, I showed up at his door all by myself with a video camera with me. It was the scariest thing I have ever done. I could still hear the sound of my hand on the door because it was shaking so badly. It was a very intense experience. This was not about trying to have this wonderful relationship with my father, but rather about my own sense of completion. I filmed the entire thing, and he asked, "Why are you filming this?", and I told him it was just out of habit...but really, I couldn't have done it without the camera, because the camera is something that makes me feel powerful."

Mom's Wisdom at Work

2007-06-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

While writing my new book, From the Kitchen to the Corner Office: Mom's Recipes for Success REVEALED, I've become curious about what other women have gleaned from their mothers and mother figures.

As Shalini's mentor, I decided to ask her what she has learned from her own mother and how she uses that knowledge in her work...

"My mom showed me that her commitment to us would remain strong in good times and bad. She was a single parent who worked three jobs to put food on the table and put herself through school. She never complained. She was a self-made women who rebuilt her life from nothing after my father left. I watched her work around the clock, sleeping only three to four hours a night. This gave me a boundless well of strength because whenever I feel like complaining or I feel tired, I think of her and how driven she was to feed her children. I figure if she can work that hard for us, I can work that hard and harder trying to chase my dream."

It's mothers like Shalini's that make all of us feel that there's nothing we can't do and that life's opportunities are limitless.

Shalini says, "My mom always said that women were like a velvet glove on an iron fist. You don't have to speak loud; you don't have to be rude, but inside, you just have to be solid. Don't let people walk all over you."

With the powerful messages of her films and her commitment to spreading those messages to the world, it's clear that Shalini has learned from her mother well.

We all have women in our lives that have influenced us. Share your best "Mom's wisdom" stories today at MichelleYDrake.com!

How To Vote for Shalini Tonight 6805

2007-06-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

What a great job our Shalini did with her film tonight on On The Lot

Laughing Out Loud:A Comic Journey

We have 2 hours to show our support of this amazing director's work!

The contestents voted her film best of the night and guest judge Michael Bay felt that Shalini's film had the most visual style of the night and "gave him chills"

To Vote for Shalini:

Call 888.435.6805

or

Text 6805

or

Vote Online at thelot.com

Let's keep Our Voices represented in Media by voting for Shalini

Click if you are interested in purchasing Shalini's film A Drop of Life

Shalini's Favorite Tunes

2007-05-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Music is so inspirational, don't you think? And because Shalini is someone who inspires me, I was curious to find out what kind of music she enjoys.

"I like all kinds of music, especially in the morning...I like to listen to Indian Classical.... I also love Bob Marley. I think he's got a song for everything!" Shalini laughs.

While music that is politically conscious is good for awareness and the soul, sometimes you just want to listen to something with a good beat that you can dance to! "I love 'Kiss' by Prince," Shalini giggles. "...it just makes you feel loose. Sometimes I hear a song and my head is gone; there is nothing but that music and the dance floor and the spirit in the room. There is something really liberating about that!"

What music do YOU love? Put it on your IPod or your radio and just let go!

Shalini and Friendship

2007-05-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you find friends in the most unlikely of places. That's the conclusion Shalini and I came to the other day on the phone. It was funny to think about my relationship with her and how she never thought that she would be friends with someone who lives in Connecticut, runs a company and has a family!

Ain't life funny! But, there is power in unlikely friendships like ours.

"I think my most powerful relationships have been making allies with people who are unlikely friends," Shalini says. "Who else makes us think out of our box? Befriending someone that has different views is an opportunity for us to move to some greater understanding because we all share some common values; it's just that we have different approaches."

So today, let's get out of our comfort zones and make a new friend today!

Shalini's Gifts...

2007-05-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

As Shalini's mentor, I have had the opportunity to talk with her about many subjects, and through our discussions, she has revealed to me the many gifts she brings to the world.

Shalini is a talented filmmaker, a voice for social awareness, a wonderful friend, and a beautiful all-around person, but one of the gifts she values most is her ability to draw from the two cultures that comprise her background - Indian and American - and offer the world her unique perspective.

"I feel totally blessed to be of two cultures," Shalini told me. "What I love most about having two different backgrounds is that my traditional Indian mother living in America gave me a really rich, colorful experience from which to make movies from. My mother imparted wonderful values and ethics, a sense of right and wrong, and a work ethic that I am truly grateful for. My mother gave me my Indian heritage, guided my spiritual life, and showed me an incredible community that I could connect with."

Many of us share that same sentiment. We are molded by our cultures and we draw our strength from our diverse ancestries and communities. Shalini is grateful that she grew up in the United States where the world is our oyster, where our dreams can become a reality, and where the streets are still paved with gold(en) opportunities.

Having chased her dream of becoming a memorable filmmaker all the way to the set of "On the Lot," Shalini credits the development of her inspirational voice to the wide variety of people she has met from all over the world and from all walks of life, and she attributes much of her career success to the teachers and mentors who've shared their insights and advice with her.

"My background gives me a great palette to paint from," Shalini notes. And anyone who has seen her film A Drop of Life knows what an incredible artist she is.

VOTE FOR SHALINI KANTAYYA 6815

2007-05-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Did you all see Shalini on the show tonight? Wow! She is smart, beautiful and talented.

Gary Marshall commented after viewing Shalini's one-minute comedy...Love in the Year 2007:

"You are a serious filmmaker...I would like to see what you have to say (thru your films)"

You can vote for shalini three different ways within the next 2 hours...

call 1-888-435-6815
verizon text 6815
go to thelot.com to vote

Vote for Shalini and what she stands for and keep...

Our Voices in Media!

Girl Talk! Where Shalini Shops...

2007-05-25T11:49:00.001-07:00

I love Shalini's style! It's eclectic and chic and oh-so-Shalini! Every time I see her, I have to ask where she's gotten a piece of jewelry or an amazing coat or a fabulous shirt.

The last time we had one of our "girl talk" sessions on clothes, clothes, clothes, Shalini revealed that her favorite designer is Swati Argade.

"I love her stuff! She's got an 'eco-chic' flare. She works with all local artisans in India, but she makes a really Western style out of it," Shalini told me.

I was so intrigued by her description of the designer, I had to go to Swati's site: SwatiArgade.com. The designs are absolutely INCREDIBLE! No wonder Shalini looks so good all the time!

Even her clothing choices reflect her social consciousness: Shalini always tries to support local communities:

"Every time I buy something, I think I'm voting. I think it's worth it to pay a little more for a company or product that supports the values that we care about. I think it's so rewarding."
- Shalini Kantayya

Shalini grabs a slice of heaven!

2007-05-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Pizza I mean!

When I was in New York a month ago meeting with Shalini, we decided to grab a bite to eat so we headed out to Moustache's in the village - her favorite spot for pizza.

As a vegetarian, Shalini loves vegetarian dishes, slow cooking, Indian food, and sushi!

"I think vegetarians are better kissers!"
- Shalini Kantayya

More about Shalini...What films inspire her?

2007-05-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

As Shalini's mentor, I get to chat with her about both business and pleasure. During one of our recent sessions, we finished up with the business talk and moved onto the fun stuff.

As someone who creates films that are so inspirational, I was intrigued as to what films SHE draws inspiration from.

"I love movies about someone who discovers their calling. I like films like Whale Rider, The Matrix or Star Wars: The First Trilogy, because they're about someone who comes to care and comes to realize who they really are... and I think that’s really powerful," Shalini explained. "I’m really excited about this new trend of socially conscious films in Hollywood, films like The Constant Gardener, Syriana or Good Night and Good Luck, which really help us examine the world in a new way.

I also like films like Children of Men because they create this haunting future, and I love the near future as a time period and when filmmakers depict a frightening, terrifying world that we’re heading towards unless we change our ways."

Shalini's own film A Drop of Life is set in the near future and is the story of two women whose disparate lives intersect when they are both confronted with lack of access to clean water.

Maybe filmmakers like Shalini will provide the world with the wakeup call we need to make serious changes and preserve our planet, ourselves and our way of life.

Talk about Shalini!

2007-05-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for Shalini's short film, "Drop of Life"... Rate it and give it the 5 star rating it deserves!

On the Lot Message Boards

Did you miss Shalini last night ON THE LOT?

2007-05-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

View Shalini Kantayya and other contestants on the latest episodes of "On the Lot" here:

TheLot.com

Shalini Kantayya Competes in Fox's ON THE LOT

2007-05-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in my living room, getting ready to watch a young woman whom I have mentored for the past 2 years take the first step toward realizing her dream of directing feature films with a social message.

When Shalini Kantayya first told me that she was thinking about submitting her film to a new reality show called On the Lot that Steven Spielberg, Mark Burnett and DreamWorks were launching...I asked her...What is there to think about? Just do it!

Don't you know...SHE DID!!!

When I first met Shalini Kantayya, she was screening her film A Drop of Life at a women's leadership retreat in Texas. Utne Magazine sponsored Shalini's film screening at their REvolutionary Woman Retreat in Austin, TX. Kathy LeMay (CEO of Raising Change) and I (Michelle Yozzo Drake--CEO of The Cove Group, Inc.) met Shalini for all of 3 minutes at the Utne retreat and we knew that there was something special about Shalini and her work. We knew that we could really help Shalini get her message out in a very large scale.

I began mentoring Shalini within a few weeks of the retreat. When Shalini asked Kathy and I to sit on the board of Directors for 7th Empire Media, Shalini's production company, we were both happy to be a part of Shalini's dream. Over the past few years I have become very close to this amazing young filmmaker. I am happy to share some of what I know about Shalini and her favorite causes with you through this blog.

OH! On the Lot is about to begin...Guess I will watch and write!

As a social activist--Shalini has had to pitch A Drop of Life to potential funders to get her message out. What a great first challenge to highlight her poise and passion. How wonderful that her pitch was about a struggling priest...her spirituality is a strong part of who she is. She and I have had many long conversations about the role of religion and spirituality in our lives. I am not surprised that she made it over that hurdle.

24 hours to put a short film together...quite a challenge, especially with strangers and competitors. I guess we will have to wait until Thursday at 9:30 to see the outcome of that challenge!

As Shalini opened the show...my wish for Shalini is...May the Force Be With You!

I hope you feel all of the people sending positive thoughts out to you!

Stay tuned for a sneak peak at who Shalini Kantayya is and what she stands for...I will be sharing moments from my interviews with Shalini for my upcoming book and will be interviewing many of Shalini's friends to get their favorite Shalini stories for this blog...as we support a woman who represents

our voices in media!