This interview provides a glimpse into the personal thoughts and experiences of actress and filmmaker Shanti Lowry. As she delved into her experience in the entertainment industry and her latest project, Persona, it was like having a conversation with a long-time friend. She contemplated her journey as an actress and creator, the obstacles she encountered, and the significance of diversity and inclusivity in storytelling. She eloquently explained her drive to challenge industry norms, specifically in amplifying the voices of women of color and marginalized communities. Shanti highlights the importance of incorporating a range of perspectives in every stage of production to ensure genuine and powerful storytelling.

While there are certain aspects that I may not love, there are numerous aspects of our industry that I truly appreciate. Lowry shared her genuine excitement for every stage of a project, from pre-production to collaborating with other creatives and discussing mood boards.

Shanti’s story starts with a profound passion for storytelling and a drive to be a creator, encompassing not only acting but also directing and producing. Her perspective goes beyond traditional industry norms, combining different creative elements to craft complex and captivating stories that deeply connect with viewers. She finds immense joy in the fantasy of it all. However, the creation of the fantasy is not a solitary endeavor. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration in order to bring the fantasy to life for the viewer in a dynamic, multi-faceted, and layered manner.

“I’m probably mostly a producer and director because I see things from a big-picture perspective,” Lowry explained. She also mentioned that she came to this realization because, from the perspective of an actor, your work is complete once the cameras stop rolling. However, Shanti cannot simply abandon the project on the set. She’s meticulously replaying scenarios in her mind, carefully envisioning the lighting and precise placement of every detail. She approaches the subject with a broad perspective, while also paying attention to the finer points.

“Being 100% honest. I had a difficult childhood. And I found storytelling and being with other people to be a respite for me. I didn’t want to be me at that moment. But I wanted to feel something that didn’t feel so tragically connected to me,” Lowry shared.

Shanti discovered solace and inspiration in the world of storytelling, despite the personal struggles and hardships she faced in her past. The art of acting provided a means of escape, allowing her to delve into various roles and gain insight into different viewpoints outside of her own personal encounters. Her artistic vision was profoundly influenced by her deep connection to storytelling, which ignited her passion for crafting narratives that are both meaningful and authentic.

“Most of the writers are of a certain ilk. They have certain stories. And it trickles down all the way to your cameraman,” Lowry explained. Throughout her extensive career in the industry, she has observed the potential for a “disconnect” to arise between the cast, crew, and the story being told. Shanti mentioned that often our attention is directed towards the actor’s performance in front of the camera. However, I came to the realization that it is crucial for us to prioritize what occurs prior to the production stage.

As Shanti explored the industry further, she couldn’t help but notice the glaring absence of representation and diversity in storytelling. The prevailing narratives often suffered from a limited perspective, influenced by those in positions of power who lacked a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of human experiences. Shanti was deeply moved by this realization, which sparked a strong passion in her to advocate for the voices of marginalized communities and promote more inclusive and genuine storytelling.

It all comes down to skill. Once more, the focus is on welcoming individuals into the establishment. According to Lowry, if the same individuals are always in charge of lighting, there won’t be any opportunity for others to acquire new skills. She highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with darker skin tones in terms of how they come across in film due to lighting choices, specifically focusing on the portrayal of black people. She explained that there is a certain complacency that arises from repetition and the lack of a need to push oneself and explore new possibilities in the industry.

“It’s the writing. It all starts with the writing of a story, right? You can get an incredible director and producer who casts all these beautiful people. But if it is written by someone white who doesn’t really know the dynamics of the culture, then it’s still going to be just another Hollywood piece,” Lowry stated.

Shanti embarked on a transformative journey with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, bringing her vision to life. The culmination of this journey was the creation of an innovative project called “Persona,” which exemplifies the strength of working together, embracing diversity, and fostering creative expression. Shanti’s film “Persona” not only displayed her filmmaking talent, but also highlighted the powerful effect of inclusive storytelling. At that moment, she decided to bring her vision to life, showcasing the immense potential that diversity can bring to a project.

She successfully brought her dreams to life, ensuring that the film had a diverse cast and crew, with 75% BIPOC representation and 50% female representation. Shanti openly expressed that it took several years for this project to be completed because she had a clear and detailed vision of what she wanted from beginning to end. “I wanted it to be great, like it was in my head. And so I just waited. I talked to the writer for years. We did rewrites. We focused on making it easier to film and affordable without cheapening the end product,” Lowry explained.

The triumph of “Persona” acted as a driving force for Shanti’s future pursuits in the entertainment field. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response to her project and the strong sense of teamwork that drove its development, she aspired to establish her own production company. Shanti’s vision for the future is centered around promoting diversity, fostering inclusivity, and uplifting underrepresented voices. The emphasis is on continued growth, creativity, and empowerment.

Photography Credit: Birdie Thompson