Real Talkies
We craft films
We create commissioned work, independent documentaries, and narrative films. At Real Talkies, we make audiovisual stories focussing on nuances that are not dwelled upon or deliberated in mass media.
CHITHRA JEYARAM (She/Her) is a physical therapist turned filmmaker with an MFA in Film from the University of Texas in Austin. She specializes in one-person crew independent documentaries. She identifies as Tamil. Her work prioritizes subverting stereotypes by framing narratives that highlight perspectives, struggles, and intricacies that are left out. Her short film, Rags to Pads is the story of a husband, Muruganadham who destigmatized menstruation and framed it as a societal issue, not just a women’s issue. Her next film, Foreign Puzzle examines the true impact of cancer by contrasting the making and performance of a stirring dance against the backdrop of intense medical/surgical procedures and the challenges of being a single mother. She is working on OUR DAUGHTERS a feature documentary that examines open adoption in America through an immigrant lens. In addition to directing and producing her work, she edits - One Thousand and One Berber Nights (2023, Feature), Look Like You (2022, Short Narrative), an episode for CBSN Speaking Frankly Series: Symbolic Justice (2020), and 9 Degrees (2019, Short Doc). She is an adjunct faculty at NYU and Vassar. She is an active organizer and member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia and Bitchitra Collective. Chithra is an alumnus of Visions Du Reel RoughCut Lab, Chicken, and (Egg)Celerator Lab, Brown Girls Doc Mafia Artist Fellowship, Gotham Documentary Fellowship, and Jerome Foundation. Her work has been featured on 2M, PBS, CBSN, Apple TV, Revry, Kanopy, SXSW, and DOC NYC.
Creative Director
Sowmya's solace during difficult transitions came from words and the verses she writes today are often reflective of healing in one's own time. Misplaced apostrophes may get no compassion although she is otherwise unconditional with her support for editing/writing projects.
She works in the field of independent living and employment for people with disabilities. She enjoys hiking, a hell alot of chai and distance running. Home for her, at the moment, is Boston, while Madras remains etched in her soul.
Grant Writer
PRODUCE
Direct and produce
original story driven content to bring ideas to life, for brands, organizations, and networks.
Edit documentaries, branded media, fundraising samples and narrative films collaboratively.
SCREEN
Screen our films, host relevant workshops, engage through active dialogue and inspire change.
Teach filmmaking from development to distribution across educational settings, community workshops, and panels.