Bavaneedha Loganathan is a trailblazing filmmaker whose work stands at the intersection of art, advocacy, and empowerment. As the first filmmaker from Sri Lanka’s underrepresented Plantation Tamil community, she has dedicated her career to amplifying marginalized voices and exploring underrepresented narratives. Her 13-year journey in the industry began as a producer, creating impactful documentaries on climate change, agriculture, and human rights issues, and later evolved into directing films that reflect her deeply personal and societal experiences.

Bavaneedha’s transition from producing over 30 documentaries to directing her own films marked a turning point in her career. Her debut short documentary, Salt Mother, is a moving exploration of the struggles of women working in Sri Lanka’s salt fields amidst climate change and economic challenges. This focus on the intersection of gender, climate, and underprivileged communities is a hallmark of her work.

Beyond filmmaking, Bavaneedha is a pioneer in animation and graphic storytelling. She created Sri Lanka’s first Tamil-language motion graphic novel series and its first LGBTQ+ mini-comics, breaking new ground in storytelling mediums. Her upcoming project, Kuttu, a Tamil 2D animation feature film, reflects her lifelong dream of building an animation studio in Sri Lanka.

Bavaneedha has also gained international recognition, participating in prestigious programs like Berlinale Talents, Busan Asian Film School, and Film Independent’s Global Media Makers. With her newly launched Big Eyes Talents Short Film Lab, she is fostering a new generation of filmmakers, bridging the gap between underprivileged voices and global cinema.

Through her work, Bavaneedha continues to challenge societal norms, advocate for inclusivity, and inspire others with her unwavering passion for storytelling. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of film in giving a voice to the voiceless