Jose Vargas
Vibha Kulkarni is an Indian director, writer, and actor whose artistic journey has taken her from the vibrant streets of India to the dynamic cultural landscape of Los Angeles. For Vibha, storytelling is far more than just a medium of expression; it is a profound tool for self-discovery, a way to bridge the gap between her Indian heritage and the Western ideologies she now navigates. With a decade-long exploration across various storytelling mediums—ranging from Fine Art and Performance Art to Interactive Art, Theater, Indian Classical Dance, and Poetry—Vibha’s creative evolution is as multifaceted as the stories she tells.
Raised in an environment where tradition and modernity often clashed, Vibha was acutely aware of the complexities and contradictions that come with living between two worlds. Her experiences as a cultural misfit fueled her passion for creating narratives that speak to the internal conflicts faced by many—particularly women, teenagers, and children—who struggle to reconcile their authentic selves with societal expectations. In Vibha’s stories, these characters often find themselves torn between adhering to the familiar norms of their heritage and embracing the freedoms offered by modernity. It is this tension that forms the heart of her work, making her stories both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Vibha’s current project, 7TH HOUSE, marks a significant milestone in her career. Now in the financing stage, this feature film promises to be a cinematic exploration of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. The narrative centers on characters who, much like Vibha herself, are on a journey of introspection and transformation. The film is poised to be a powerful commentary on the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to define themselves in a world that often demands conformity.
Beyond her work on 7TH HOUSE, Vibha’s artistic achievements are vast and varied. As a Writer’s Ink Screenwriting Lab Scholar, she has honed her craft alongside some of the industry’s most promising talents. Her academic credentials are equally impressive; she is an MFA Directing alum from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory, a program known for producing some of the most innovative filmmakers in the industry. Additionally, Vibha holds an M.Des in New Media from the National Institute of Design in India, where she first began to explore the possibilities of blending traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology.
Vibha’s artistic journey is not just about telling stories; it is about creating spaces where people can see reflections of their own experiences and struggles. Her work challenges audiences to question societal norms, to embrace the complexities of their identities, and to find beauty in the contradictions that make us human. She has become a cultural alchemist, transforming the dualities of her life—tradition and modernity, East and West—into narratives that resonate with a global audience.
As she continues to break new ground with 7TH HOUSE and other forthcoming projects, Vibha Kulkarni is solidifying her place as a powerful and necessary voice in contemporary cinema. Her work not only entertains but also enlightens, offering viewers a mirror through which they can explore their own journeys of self-discovery. In a world that often demands we choose between who we are and who we are expected to be, Vibha’s stories remind us that our true power lies in embracing every facet of our being, no matter how conflicting they may seem.
Vibha Kulkarni is not just a filmmaker; she is a storyteller in the truest sense—one who understands that the stories we tell ourselves are the most important of all. Through her films, she invites us all to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery, to question, to challenge, and ultimately, to find peace in our authenticity. In doing so, she is not just telling stories; she is helping to shape a new narrative for a generation caught between the past and the future, tradition and innovation, and ultimately, between the person they were taught to be and the person they truly are.
Image Credit- Ambar Dalizeth Mardiaga
BTS Image Credit- Ethan Florentin
