Born in India and raised in Hartford County, CT, Keya Saxena is a writer and director with a BFA in Film & TV Production from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and a minor in South Asian Studies. Known for her intricate stories that explore identity, assimilation, and the diaspora, Keya’s work has been highlighted at Oscar-qualifying film festivals and supported by organisations like Panavision x Made in Her Image and Rickshaw Film Foundation. In her continual effort to uplift marginalised voices, she serves as the Creative Director for Bungalow Collective and co-founded Junk Flower Films—a production company committed to creating space for meaningful community stories.
While Keya’s foundation lies in writing and filmmaking, she has recently embraced the titles of storyteller and maker, much to her family’s amusement. For her, these labels emphasise the craft over the tools used to create. Storytelling has always been a part of her—starting from the written word and evolving into visual storytelling, with a core focus on independent cinema. Her work spans narrative, archival, and experimental films, often diving into themes of mental health and identity in immigrant communities. But beyond these larger themes, Keya’s heart lies in reimagining the stories of the diaspora she grew up in.
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Keya’s creative process is a testament to the idea that inspiration isn’t always about actively seeking it. In fact, she believes her most profound moments of inspiration come when she steps away from the role of artist entirely. For Keya, creativity isn’t just about consumption—though she acknowledges that other artistic mediums can serve as a wellspring of inspiration. It’s about living and participating in life as an active human being, rather than a passive observer. When she fully immerses herself in her community and experiences, the creativity falls into place almost effortlessly.
Keya’s advice for aspiring creators is simple yet powerful: “Treat your art as a time capsule rather than a measure of your ability. Don’t let your own judgement stop you from creating! The world needs art, and it needs it now!” For Keya, the art of storytelling is about letting go of self-doubt and embracing the process without worrying about the outcome. Her belief is that everyone has a story to tell, and the world is waiting for it.
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Keya Saxena’s journey as a storyteller is one that prioritises community, authenticity, and a fearless approach to creating meaningful work. Through her films, creative direction, and co-founded production company, she continues to carve out space for voices that deserve to be heard.
