Meet Urmee Saiya | Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Urmee Saiya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Urmee, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Artistic and creative careers hold a unique allure. It can be a transformative journey for individuals seeking fulfillment. Having been an introvert all my life, vocalizing my feelings intentionally has been difficult. I was driven towards an artistic career by a deep-seated need for self expression and the desire to communicate emotions, ideas and perspectives. The creative process allows me to better understand myself. The other motivation to choose a career in the arts was the ability of art to provoke thought, create an impact and evoke emotions. It has a way of connecting with people and connecting people. Through storytelling I want to contribute to the collective narrative of humanity and create a ripple of change.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a writer and director I believe in the extraordinary within the ordinary. My creativity is often fixed on the everyday aspects of life, the things we might neglect or take for granted. There’s a certain magnificence within the simplicity of normalcy, and I discover motivation in the nuances of human experiences and the world around us. I think there’s immense power in depicting the universal struggles, joys, and emotions that connect us all. . My writing often explores the nuances of human relationships, the beauty in imperfection, and the complexities of navigating the ordinary challenges we all confront. I feel that there’s an inherent magic in the normal things of the world. I believe that while others are looking for complexities and the grander things in life to write about I am wanting to explore the simple foundation that makes us human. Nothing is achieved without some degree of struggle. Self doubt was my biggest struggle, I wouldn’t say that I have completely overcome it, it is a slow process but I have grown to trust my ideas and more importantly myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favourite spots in the city would have to be taking a stroll on Santa Monica pier, watching the sunset on Venice beach and then grabbing some food in one of the many restaurants in the area. I would also recommend spending a few hours at the Getty museum, stargazing at the Griffith observatory and a fun shoot at the urban lights or a hike up Runyon Canon. A late night drive to Mulholland drive or boating at echo park. Vegetarian or vegan food at Mama Por Dios, Something Vegan, Fantasia, Jinya or Joey’s. Karaoke at Mrs. Robinsons calls for a fun night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my grandparents for their encouragement, my parents for their immense faith, my sister for all her support, without them I could not have achieved what I have. I would also like to thank my Guru and God for the strength they have provided me and for always being my guiding light. I would also like to shoutout all those who choose to follow their dreams and take a stand for themselves and their passion, whatever it may be.

Instagram: @urmeeasaiya

Other: @thelettershortfilm urmeework@gmail.com