Born and raised in India, Swati Srivastava arrived in the US as a software engineer, but with dreams of becoming a film-maker. She spent the next decade working as a software engineer, waiting for her Green Card and studying film part-time at UCLA Extension where she earned two certificates with distinction.
As a filmmaker, Swati is drawn towards issues & topics of a social / political nature. Her documentary work has ranged from legal immigration in US to farmer suicides in India. Her research into farmer suicides led her to shoot a covert video inside a Government Autopsy Center that got picked up by CNN-India and won their "most important story of the year award".
Swati has written & directed several shorts. Her short film "Remember When" dealt with the serious issue of Alzheimer's where as "Peace of Mind Guaranteed" is a funny but satirical look at Indians' new fascination with DNA paternity testing. Both films played in various film festivals and won several awards. Another short "An Hour Past A Lifetime" is a mystery noir with themes of absolution and deliverance. Swati is currently working on two features, one an emotional drama called “Both Sides Now” based on true events that deals with grief & the restorative power of human connection. Her other feature is a romantic comedy with Indian characters living in America.
Swati has trained extensively to work with actors, especially with coach Judith Weston. Her films are character-driven and she loves to work & rehearse with actors in order to explore / stretch the material and bring the best out on the screen.
Swati also directs Behind-the-scenes for features and short films.
Swati is also an avid environmentalist. She lives with her partner; Mark Bartosik in a "Net-Zero Energy" house that has been covered by various media including NBC, for its unique features.
To know more about Swati, go to:
www.imdb.me/Swati
www.TiredAndBeatup.com