Meet T’neel Mohan | Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with T’neel Mohan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi T’Neel, what are you inspired by?
Every child has a favorite movie, then at fourteen it changes, then again at twenty-two, and maybe once more by the time we’re fifty-five, but you never forget them. The films that have aged alongside you. The characters you know better than you know yourself and the ones you covered in your walls as a teenager. That’s what inspires me. All of the feelings, moments, and connections cinema or television can cultivate. People think it’s odd that I enjoy going to the movie theaters alone, but that’s exactly why I love it, because you’re not alone. You’re sitting next to someone who’s sitting next to someone, and you’re all experiencing something for the first time together. Regardless of the motion picture you’re about to watch and that in itself is inspiring. I assume that is why I’ve sought a profession in writing and directing—to cultivate those moments for myself and for families going to the movies together for the first time, or couples going on a first date. I want to write and direct narratives that resonate deeply with people, maybe resonate with a version of themselves they see on screen, make them smile because it happened, and cry when it ends.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m also lucky enough to say I’m one of those people that has found something they’re passionate about that I can do both creatively and professionally. Moving here a year ago has really allowed me to fully dive into this industry, taking advantage of programs with production companies to gain first-hand experience and networking with individuals who have similar endeavors as my own. Having a degree in film and media and in digital marketing allows me to really understand both sides of the industry during a time when it is in a continual and constant shift. 

It has by no means been easy. I started this journey at the peak of COVID in 2020, and I think anyone who is trying to build a career after the last five years can say it isn’t an easy task, but as I mentioned before, this isn’t just a career to me; it truly is a passion. It’s what has given me such determination. Then you take into consideration that cinema really is for people and it’s their form of escapism. Escapism, I think society heavily craves after these five years. For me personally, through this lengthy journey that I have just barely embarked on, the takeaway and the hope is that I continue to be so authentic to me. That authenticity, I believe, is what landed me my directorial debut, directing a music video for the new release of Them Fantasies song “It’s Just Me.” A project I’m extremely excited to share.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still learning the ins and outs of L.A. myself, but if anyone knows me well, they know we’d be hitting the beach, but instead of Santa Monica, maybe Manhattan Beach, so we could lay out and read/write (try) and catch a wave or two before walking around the cute shops while we eat ice cream. We could grab dinner and wine at sunset and then linger so we could maybe catch a glimpse of the nightlife. (Which does exist in L.A. if you know where to look.) If it’s really my best friends and I during the day, there’s no way we aren’t going on a hike, and there’s a multitude to choose from in the area, and we’d most definitely grab coffee and go thrifting after or before.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m lucky enough to say I have that one best friend that’s been there since the beginning and I don’t mean the typical childhood best friend “beginning.” I mean the girl that’s read every sappy, over dramatic, teenage angst filled awful narrative or poem I have written since the age of fourteen. Let’s actually all give a big thanks to Nicole Ballew. She was my audience long before anyone else was. My words were read sometimes by no one else but her and I for as long as I can remember. Now I’m facilitating a career and life around them. I love you. Thanks for letting me always be me.

Instagram: @tneelmohan

Linkedin: @tneelmohan

Image Credits
On Set – Cole Gebhardt
Portfolio shots – Warren Jennings
Poetry Shoot – Summer Ei Wuerthner