Draft:Kabir Mehta

Kabir Mehta
Born	1990 (age 33–34) Punjab, India
Occupation	Film director & screenwriter
Years active	2015–present

Kabir Mehta (born 1990 in Punjab, India) is an Indian filmmaker known for his hybrid storytelling that blends documentary and fiction. His films explore contemporary themes such as digital culture, voyeurism, and identity, and have been showcased at major international film festivals. His work has been recognized for blending documentary and fiction.

Early life and education

Kabir Mehta attended The Lawrence School, Sanawar. His educational journey set the foundation for his foray into filmmaking, where he developed a passion for narratives that blend reality with fiction. Early exposure to both mainstream and experimental cinema deeply influenced his storytelling style.

Career

Mehta's career breakthrough came with his debut feature documentary, BUDDHA.mov (2017), a hybrid-style film that examined social media voyeurism through the life of a former cricketer, Buddha Dev. The film premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, had its Indian premiere at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and was later distributed on the global streaming platform Mubi.

His earlier short film, Sadhu in Bombay (2016), won multiple international awards and was recognised for dealing with concepts that could easily be perceived as taboo and for mocking the whole concept of mockumentary. The film screened at prominent festivals like the Slamdance Film Festival, the Ann Arbor Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Film. It was also awarded at the European Media Arts Festival.

In 2021, Mehta released Nitty-Gritty Punjab Police, another acclaimed short film that further established his reputation for innovative storytelling. The film was featured at Mammoth Lakes Film Festival and Kassel Dokfest, where it was praised for its fresh approach to narrative cinema.

In 2023, Mehta directed eight episodes of the Netflix Original series Class (2023). This series delved into issues of teen life, privilege, and social disparity.

Style and Influences

Kabir Mehta’s films are characterized by their blending of documentary and fiction, with a heavy emphasis on contemporary issues like digital culture, voyeurism, and personal identity. His filmmaking style is immersive and experiential, often involving close collaboration with his subjects, which has been described as pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Filmography

Feature Films

• BUDDHA.mov (2017)

Short Films

• Sadhu in Bombay (2016)

• Nitty-Gritty Punjab Police (2021)

Web Series

• Class (2023, Netflix)

Awards and Recognition

BUDDHA.mov (2017)

• Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF): World Premiere.

• MAMI Mumbai Film Festival: Indian Premiere.

• Mammoth Lakes Film Festival: Special Mention Winner.

• Streaming on Mubi: Released globally.

• Critical acclaim from The Hollywood Reporter and Film Companion, which described it as an “oddly captivating examination of modern-day social media culture.”

Sadhu in Bombay (2016)

• Slamdance Film Festival: Official Selection.

• Ann Arbor Film Festival: Best Narrative Film.

• European Media Arts Festival (EMAF): EMAF Award winner.

• Mammoth Lakes Film Festival: Special Mention Winner.

Critical Reception

• Harpers Bazaar lauded Kabir Mehta for his innovative and collaborative approach, highlighting how he crafts deeply immersive, process-driven films.

• The Hollywood Reporter praised BUDDHA.mov for its daring examination of voyeurism in the digital age.

• Film Companion noted that BUDDHA.mov was a bold "deconstruction of social currency," applauding Mehta’s experimental techniques.. Film Companion listed Mehta in the 25 prime innovators in entertainment

• The Hindu praised Sadhu in Bombay for its exploration of spirituality and urbanity, acknowledging Mehta’s ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

External Links

• Kabir Mehta at IMDb