DIRECTORS

Chithra Jeyaram [She/Her] is a physical therapist-turned-filmmaker who identifies as Tamil. Her films focus on the wisdom, resilience, and love found within both biological and chosen families. In her films—from initial idea to completion—she handles every phase of production: directing, producing, filming, and editing. She also regularly collaborates with other creators on coproductions, contributing her expertise in directing, producing, and editing to their creative work. She is an alumna of prestigious programs, including Visions du Réel’s RoughCut Lab, the Chicken & (Egg)celerator Lab, the BGDM Artist Fellowship, the Gotham Documentary Fellowship, and the Jerome Foundation grant. Her second feature documentary, LOVE CHAOS KIN, emerged from her own deeply personal contemplation of adoption as an Indian immigrant. The film powerfully highlights multicultural and multiracial families, showcasing the experiences of an Indian immigrant family raising their adopted White-presenting, Navajo-descent twins. and advocates for ethical, trauma-informed adoption practices that prioritize a child’s well-being, maintain connections with birth families, and showcase a more inclusive, connected America. Chithra is also the lead producer of the award-winning short documentary AMMA'S PRIDE (2024), championing unwavering parental support for trans people and marriage equality. Food is her first love, and she is an avid runner who has completed 15 marathons. She calls Chennai and New York City home and is writing her first screenplay, THE LONGEST SUMMER.