Private Project

Being Equanimous

"Samskruthi" is the first short film directed by Phaniendra Somraj that delves into the intricacies of cultural identity and the challenges of assimilation. The narrative follows the journey of an individual or family navigating the delicate balance between preserving traditional values and adapting to a new cultural environment. Through compelling storytelling and character development, the film highlights the internal and external conflicts that arise from cultural integration. Somraj's direction emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy in bridging cultural divides, making "Samskruthi" a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.

  • PHANIENDRA SOMRAJ
    Director
  • PHANIENDRA SOMRAJ
    Writer
  • PHANIENDRA SOMRAJ
    Producer
  • UDAY GOVINDARAJULA
    Key Cast
  • KETKI CHAKRADEO
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Samskruthi or Sanskrithi
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 27 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 9, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    HD
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - PHANIENDRA SOMRAJ

Phaniendra Somraj is a film maker, artist and an engineer. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Phani comes from a musical family, where he developed a passion and ear for music & dance from a very young age.
Phaniendra is also an Indian classical dance - "Bharatanatyam" dancer, Guitarist, Song Writer and Composer. His dad is an Indian classical music "carnatic" vocalist who sacrificed his passion to raise his family. His mother, a lawyer, has a great influence on him too through her liking for fine arts.
He has always been accompanied by positive artists who saw only the true artist in him, who didn’t care where he came from, what color he was and polished him in everything he wrote and in his projects. Just that quality of people around him has encouraged him to come out and realize his endless boundaries.
Our sub-conscious is a canvas to portray our mind’s thoughts. A film is an endless opportunity where he thinks he can be silent but still say a lot through the journey of characters in each story he writes and directs.

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Director Statement

Phaniendra wants to create films that touch the influence of arts and how they help improve lives. His individuality, his canvas of life’s experiences and treatment of stories on screen are his strengths. Phaniendra has a lot of stories to share and hopes sharing his experiences with the audience will give him an opportunity to inspire and also learn.