Asis Sethi is one of 2020’s Playback Magazine’s 10 to Watch. A positive and energetic television personality, Asis Sethi started her career as a Reporter on Chardi Kalaa, OMNI News – South Asian Edition, Badhai Ho and Bollywood Boulevard on OMNI Television. She soon became the co-host of Chardi Kalaa and the title host of Tuned In With Asis Sethi on OMNI Television, both of which boast of significant fan following and critical praise.
Asis has directed, written, and produced many independent projects including The Colourful Crown, a documentary film based on the effects of 9/11 on turban wearers in Canada, which was screened at film festivals and aired on OMNI Television nationally. Asis is also the writer and director of the 16-episode documentary series titled Darshan Dekh Jeeva, in which she traveled all over India and explored over 80 historical Sikh shrines. The documentary is currently airing nationally on OMNI Television and was part of the Rogers Documentary Fund.
Asis’s most recent work includes producing and directing a three episode television show for Scotiabank and OMNI TV titled Welcome To Canada which highlights real life stories told by Canadian immigrants.
Asis is actively involved in filmmaking. Her most recent short film titled A Bloody Mess focuses on the taboo surrounding menstruation in the South Asian community living outside of India, with the specific goal of encouraging conversation to normalize menstruation. The film has won several awards including a REMI Award at the 53rd Annual WorldFest – Houston International Film Festival, ‘Best Short Film (Drama)’ at the Canadian Cinematography Awards, ‘Honourable Mention – Best Short Film’ in the Social Awareness category at the Queen Palm International Film Festival, and ‘Special Mention – Original Story’ at the Florence Film Awards. It has been screened at over 26 film festivals worldwide.
Asis’s films have a focus towards important women and community issues that promote a cross-cultural understanding. Most recently, her films have focused on topics relating to social issues that surround women and they delve deep into the cultural complexities of how these issues impact our daily lives. Asis is currently in post production for her upcoming short film titled Still and is in the early development stage for her upcoming feature film.
She is also a proud recipient of AspiringShe Magazine’s ‘Most Promising Filmmaker of 2020’ Award.
Asis believes that cinema has the ability to transcend borders, cultures and identities to bring everyone together and bring change into society and she hopes to use cinema as a tool to highlight issues facing women and bring about a change in society.