Learn more about how this organization is producing high-quality content to inspire social impact!
Can you believe we’re almost at the end of the year?! It’s been a productive season for our Convene and Collaborate team as we’ve been highlighting organizations across Canada involved in menstrual equity or gender justice work in various capacities. Make sure you check out our previous spotlight posts.
This month, we’re highlighting Kahani Pictures. Our partnership with Kahani began while they were researching how to play a role in changing the narrative of the menstrual equity movement in Canada. Follow along below to learn more about this high-impact storytelling team.
Founded in 2018 by Inder Nirwan, Kahani Pictures is a storytelling production company that focuses on impact-driven films to uplift and create positive change in communities. The inspiration for Kahani came from Inder’s previous work in the film and cosmetics industries, where he developed a passion for documenting stories of diverse communities around the world. Kahani, meaning “story” in Punjabi, embodies Inder’s vision for telling powerful, culturally rooted stories. With Tricia Stevens, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Kahani has strengthened its reach, forging partnerships with brands and nonprofits to amplify their impact through storytelling.
Kahani Pictures is built on the values of authentic relationship-building, integrity, diverse representation, and a deep commitment to listening and learning. These values drive every aspect of Kahani’s work, from the clients they choose to collaborate with to the stories they bring to life on film. A vital part of their process is the Listening Journey, which allows Kahani to deeply understand clients’ goals, build trust, and adapt to the unique needs of each project.
Kahani is currently working on Flow of Change, a documentary project that profiles individuals and organizations in British Columbia leading Canada’s fight for menstrual equity. Alongside this film, Kahani has collaborated with multiple organizations in the menstrual space to produce educational videos and podcasts. The project originated from Kahani’s research into the menstrual equity movement and recognizing the gap in film-based resources on the topic. After conversations with our very own founder, Zeba Khan, Kahani embarked on creating a four-part docuseries, with the first episode featuring FPC’s work.
Another recent Kahani project with the South Asian Legal Clinic of British Columbia created social videos in Hindi, Punjabi, and English for newcomers navigating renting and employment in Canada. With over 200,000 views on TikTok, the videos have driven more people to seek legal help, increasing the clinic’s call volume and prompting them to expand their client support capacity.
Kahani evaluates the success of each project based on the goals set with their partners, which can include metrics, public engagement, or feedback from stakeholders. Kahani prioritizes community-driven, ethical storytelling by ensuring continued consent and engagement from those featured in their films. The team remains flexible and responsive, as shown in their ਸੁਣੋ (Listen) documentary on the struggles of South Asian female international students in Canada. It highlights the widespread abuse of female international students by South Asian men who are in positions of power in their communities.
The ਸੁਣੋ (Listen) film premiered at Surrey City Hall, where Surrey’s Mayor Brenda Locke publicly committed to addressing the issues highlighted in the film. The screening sparked meaningful dialogue within the community, with attendees feeling empowered to spread the message in their own spaces. Kahani’s commitment to amplifying the voices of people with lived experience helped create a safe space for survivors to share their stories, some of whom chose to remain anonymous. They continue to prioritize community-driven, ethical storytelling by ensuring continued consent and engagement from those featured in their films.
Here are a few ways to stay up to date with Kahani Pictures:
