Director Story

Nina Sabnani is an artist and storyteller who uses film, illustration and writing to tell her stories. Graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara she received a master’s degree in film from Syracuse University, NY, which she pursued as a Fulbright Fellow. Her doctoral thesis on the Kaavad tradition has been published into a book; Kaavad Tradition of Rajasthan, a portable pilgrimage.

Nina’s research interests include exploring the dynamics between words and images in storytelling. Her work in film and illustrated books, seeks to bring together animation and ethnography.

Nina taught animation at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad for two decades before moving to Mumbai. Many of her students have made stellar contributions to the animation industry in India. Her award winning films include Mukand and Riaz, Tanko Bole Chhe (The Stitches Speak) and Baat Wahi Hai. Her film Hum Chitra Banate Hain made in collaboration with the bhil artist Sher Singh from Madhya Pradesh, received the national award (Rajat Kamal) for the best animation film from the President of India at the 64^th National Awards for 2016. In 2018 she received the lifetime achievement award for Illustration from Tata Trusts at the Tata Lit Live Festival at Mumbai. Nina is Professor at the Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay.