‘Tahanan’ Wins Best Feature Film at Culver City Film Festival

Varahimedia.com online news,Vijayawada, October 30, 2024: Lakshmi Nymisha Gummadi, an accomplished Indian production designer based in Los Angeles, has received widespread recognition for her outstanding work on the feature film Tahanan, now streaming on Amazon Prime. The film recently clinched the Best Feature Film award at the Culver City Film Festival, underscoring Gummadi’s vital contributions to its visual narrative.

Originally from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and raised in Hyderabad, Nymisha is a distinguished graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI). With a wealth of experience in short films, music videos, and commercials, her collaboration with director Nicholas James Barber and cinematographer Nichole Ruiz proved essential in bringing the vision of Tahanan to life.

“I wanted the environment to be a character in itself,” Gummadi shared during a post-screening Q&A. “The spaces these characters inhabit needed to reflect their emotional journey, from the warmth of tradition to the cold isolation of immigration.” Her design adeptly intertwines traditional Filipino elements with the stark architecture of a foreign city, creating a poignant visual metaphor for the family’s fractured identity. Each set is imbued with significance, showcasing capiz windows that resonate with authentic Filipino culture.

Gummadi’s strategic use of color enhances the film’s emotional depth; warmer tones dominate scenes depicting familial connection, while cooler shades emphasize feelings of isolation. “Tahanan’s win at the Culver Film Festival is not just a victory for the film but for Indian talent on the global stage,” she remarked. “It’s incredibly humbling to see our hard work recognized and to have the film’s visual language appreciated.”

Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, Gummadi has previously collaborated with award-winning production designer Ethan Tobman on high-profile projects, including Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” and Disney’s Red Christmas music video. Additionally, she has lent her talents to various commercials, such as DEX in Los Angeles, where she worked with diverse teams to realize unique creative visions.

In a nod to her roots, Gummadi recently completed work on a Telugu feature film directed by Ravikumar Nasu, starring Sivakumar Ramachandravarapu, set for release in 2025.