51��Ʒ��Ƶ

Aditi Sridhar, a recent graduate from the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ, debuted her short film “Pivot” at the 14th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival on Sept. 21.

The romantic drama — which Sridhar (A&S ’23) directed, produced and co-wrote — is among more than 100 feature films, short films, documentaries and music videos from South Asian regions and artists being screened at the festival.

Sridhar, a graduate of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s David C. Frederick Honors College, also spent a semester studying with the Laura Mulvey at Birkbeck College, University of London.

During the 95th Academy Awards in March, Sridhar was one of four young entertainment professionals chosen worldwide to present trophies at the Oscars. She is currently producing a feature documentary about Pulitizer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson and is in post-production for her second short film, “Aloo Poori.”

“Pivot,” which was shot in 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh in November 2023, follows the journey of a passionate and overworked dancer named Anjani. Upon receiving admission to a prestigious graduate dance program in New York City, Anjani is a train ticket away from the life of her dreams. After she breaks the news to her boyfriend, Laksh, his impulsive willingness to move for her causes Anjani to question their relationship. The collision between his aimless nature and her unwavering goals drives this codependent couple into psychological warfare.