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Featured Guest:
Nani Sahra Walker Academy Award Winning Filmmaker Award-Winning Director, Writer, Producer, Shakti Published Date: July 23, 2026 Academy Award-winning producer, writer, and director Nani Sahra Walker joins Wisdom for Wannabes to discuss her powerful new feature film, Shakti, now streaming on Tubi Fawesome, and Prime Video. From leaving a successful journalism career to creating a five-year passion project inspired by real events, Nani shares how trusting her intuition, embracing rejection, and refusing to wait for permission transformed her life. She reflects on the healing power of storytelling, what true success means beyond awards, and why independent voices are more important than ever. Whether you're a filmmaker, entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone searching for the courage to pursue your calling, this conversation is a moving reminder that lasting change begins within—and that the most important words we can tell ourselves are, "Don't give up." |
Full Interview with Nani Sahra Walker:
"Don't wait for permission from anybody. It's all about you. We need more independent voices."
- Nani Sahra Walker (Wisdom for Wannabes episode 65, 20:24)
Shakti Actor Menuka Pradhan and Director Nani Sahra Walker, upon Nani's recognition as Best New Filmmaker 2026 Award by New Filmmakers LA organization
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Great quotes from the interview:
(More great quotes throughout the transcript in amber below.) |
Nani Sahra Walker holding her Academy Award as producer for 2024 documentary, The Last Repair Shop
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Key Takeaways:
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Menuka Pradhan and Polina Oli in Shakti
Interview Transcript:
Jackie Morreale (00:00)
Welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks wise words in business, beauty, and betterment. I'm the host, Jackie Morreale.
Today, I am thrilled to welcome Nani Sahra Walker, an Academy Award-winning producer whose work spans film, journalism, and inspiring others to embrace their own power and purpose. Her latest project, Shakti, is a powerful film that explores resilience, transformation, and the strength that exists within all of us.
The film is now available to stream for free on platforms including Tubi and Fawesome, making its message accessible to audiences everywhere. The film is also available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Nani's journey reminds us that sometimes our greatest work comes from listening to our inner voice, taking risks, and using our creativity to make a difference.
Nani Sahra Walker, thank you so much for joining today.
Nani Sahra Walker (00:56)
Thank you for having me, Jackie. It's really great to be here.
Jackie Morreale (00:59)
I’m so grateful to learn from you today. For those of us who may be meeting you for the first time, can you tell us your full name, where you're from, and a little bit about what you do?
Nani Sahra Walker (01:08)
My name is Nani Sahra Walker, and I'm a writer, director, producer, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and now based in Los Angeles, California. I came to filmmaking through journalism.
That was my career for quite a while. Then stepped into making my first feature film some years ago, and here we are with Shakti.
Jackie Morreale (01:28)
You've gone from journalism to filmmaking. What is the favorite part of your role that you do now, as a writer, director, and producer?
Nani Sahra Walker (01:35)
I love being able to inspire people but also tell stories and see the impact that they can have. Working in journalism, it is such a fast-moving environment. It's hard to see it in that setting, per se.
With film, I've been able to see that impact firsthand when I go to festivals, for instance.
People come up to me and are just so happy that I've made this film. It's a difficult film, and for that much encouragement and recognition around the film, been on the receiving end. Grown men crying with me, and people of all ages coming to me and sharing really intimate details of their lives.
Also, those who are excited about creating change and saying, 'This film has allowed me to think about what I can do in my life; what can I change in my own life and my personal life?'
Sometimes, trying to change a bigger system, it starts with small acts of change on a personal level.
Jackie Morreale (02:33)
How amazing it is that you've written, directed, and produced this film, Shakti, that empowers people around the world.
Was there a moment in your life when you realized that storytelling was your calling, whether through journalism or filmmaking?
Nani Sahra Walker (02:47)
I was always doing something creative growing up. Photography, poetry, painting, and theater, always doing something creative. But I think this film, and the moment that I stepped into making a feature length, narrative, fiction film, came through years of working in journalism and in documentary and investigative stories. It was about listening to people's stories and documenting and putting that either on video or on the page.
With Shakti, I realized that there are some limitations, like this particular story was set in the past. It's set in 2014, when the statute of limitations is still 35 days. That was really the crux of the film. I wanted it to be centered around this idea of the 35-day statute of limitations being so, so, so restrictive.
I realized this is an opportunity to write fiction and draw on my documentary and investigative background, but in a fictional format.
Jackie Morreale (03:45)
Was there a certain day since then when it was absolved?
Nani Sahra Walker (03:49)
In 2015, it was increased to a year, and since then to two years, but it's still extremely restrictive. If you look around the world, it's in the double digits.
We're still working on that, and recognizing that survivors do not speak about their trauma until an average age of 53 years old in the U.S.
People are holding on to these stories for an entire lifetime.
I think we need to create space and understand that the legal system, as well, needs to understand that there needs to be room for survivors to come out later in life.
Jackie Morreale (04:20)
You've worn so many hats. It sounds like you have a full understanding of the legal system as well. Let me add that to the list... producer, creator, storyteller, director, role has taught you the most about yourself?
Nani Sahra Walker (04:33)
I think probably directing. For one, there aren't a lot of opportunities to direct on a daily basis. Many times, I'm wearing multiple hats. Producing is one hat I wear a lot, almost out of necessity. As an independent filmmaker, I'm my own producer in the beginning.
Then, in that moment of really directing a project, bringing together hundreds of people to believe in a vision, and to give them room to collaborate.
We're all in this together, and it's such a rewarding experience. It's something that excites me. It also challenged me. I look forward to doing more of it.
I directed for 35 days, and not 35 days just on the shoot days, because really, you're taking the project from beginning to end. It's a five-year project where the director keeps that together and makes sure that, from beginning to end, it's one focused place. I love that.
It's like a meditation. It's about keeping the focus, perseverance, dealing with all the rejection, and not being taken over by the rejection as a way of other people giving you approval or not.
Recognition when it comes is wonderful, but staying really focused and grounded and making sure we see our projects through no matter what.
(Continued below)
Welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks wise words in business, beauty, and betterment. I'm the host, Jackie Morreale.
Today, I am thrilled to welcome Nani Sahra Walker, an Academy Award-winning producer whose work spans film, journalism, and inspiring others to embrace their own power and purpose. Her latest project, Shakti, is a powerful film that explores resilience, transformation, and the strength that exists within all of us.
The film is now available to stream for free on platforms including Tubi and Fawesome, making its message accessible to audiences everywhere. The film is also available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Nani's journey reminds us that sometimes our greatest work comes from listening to our inner voice, taking risks, and using our creativity to make a difference.
Nani Sahra Walker, thank you so much for joining today.
Nani Sahra Walker (00:56)
Thank you for having me, Jackie. It's really great to be here.
Jackie Morreale (00:59)
I’m so grateful to learn from you today. For those of us who may be meeting you for the first time, can you tell us your full name, where you're from, and a little bit about what you do?
Nani Sahra Walker (01:08)
My name is Nani Sahra Walker, and I'm a writer, director, producer, originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, and now based in Los Angeles, California. I came to filmmaking through journalism.
That was my career for quite a while. Then stepped into making my first feature film some years ago, and here we are with Shakti.
Jackie Morreale (01:28)
You've gone from journalism to filmmaking. What is the favorite part of your role that you do now, as a writer, director, and producer?
Nani Sahra Walker (01:35)
I love being able to inspire people but also tell stories and see the impact that they can have. Working in journalism, it is such a fast-moving environment. It's hard to see it in that setting, per se.
With film, I've been able to see that impact firsthand when I go to festivals, for instance.
People come up to me and are just so happy that I've made this film. It's a difficult film, and for that much encouragement and recognition around the film, been on the receiving end. Grown men crying with me, and people of all ages coming to me and sharing really intimate details of their lives.
Also, those who are excited about creating change and saying, 'This film has allowed me to think about what I can do in my life; what can I change in my own life and my personal life?'
Sometimes, trying to change a bigger system, it starts with small acts of change on a personal level.
Jackie Morreale (02:33)
How amazing it is that you've written, directed, and produced this film, Shakti, that empowers people around the world.
Was there a moment in your life when you realized that storytelling was your calling, whether through journalism or filmmaking?
Nani Sahra Walker (02:47)
I was always doing something creative growing up. Photography, poetry, painting, and theater, always doing something creative. But I think this film, and the moment that I stepped into making a feature length, narrative, fiction film, came through years of working in journalism and in documentary and investigative stories. It was about listening to people's stories and documenting and putting that either on video or on the page.
With Shakti, I realized that there are some limitations, like this particular story was set in the past. It's set in 2014, when the statute of limitations is still 35 days. That was really the crux of the film. I wanted it to be centered around this idea of the 35-day statute of limitations being so, so, so restrictive.
I realized this is an opportunity to write fiction and draw on my documentary and investigative background, but in a fictional format.
Jackie Morreale (03:45)
Was there a certain day since then when it was absolved?
Nani Sahra Walker (03:49)
In 2015, it was increased to a year, and since then to two years, but it's still extremely restrictive. If you look around the world, it's in the double digits.
We're still working on that, and recognizing that survivors do not speak about their trauma until an average age of 53 years old in the U.S.
People are holding on to these stories for an entire lifetime.
I think we need to create space and understand that the legal system, as well, needs to understand that there needs to be room for survivors to come out later in life.
Jackie Morreale (04:20)
You've worn so many hats. It sounds like you have a full understanding of the legal system as well. Let me add that to the list... producer, creator, storyteller, director, role has taught you the most about yourself?
Nani Sahra Walker (04:33)
I think probably directing. For one, there aren't a lot of opportunities to direct on a daily basis. Many times, I'm wearing multiple hats. Producing is one hat I wear a lot, almost out of necessity. As an independent filmmaker, I'm my own producer in the beginning.
Then, in that moment of really directing a project, bringing together hundreds of people to believe in a vision, and to give them room to collaborate.
We're all in this together, and it's such a rewarding experience. It's something that excites me. It also challenged me. I look forward to doing more of it.
I directed for 35 days, and not 35 days just on the shoot days, because really, you're taking the project from beginning to end. It's a five-year project where the director keeps that together and makes sure that, from beginning to end, it's one focused place. I love that.
It's like a meditation. It's about keeping the focus, perseverance, dealing with all the rejection, and not being taken over by the rejection as a way of other people giving you approval or not.
Recognition when it comes is wonderful, but staying really focused and grounded and making sure we see our projects through no matter what.
(Continued below)
Nani Sahra Walker behind the scenes of her film, Shakti:
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(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (05:43)
The meditation, the focus, the balance that you must have endured for these five years. You came out with this beautiful film. Congratulations. Thank you for sparking these conversations and your willingness to put in the hard work.
Let's take it a little bit lighter and get to know you, Nani, a little bit better.
First of all, are you a coffee or tea drinker? Tea. Any particular kind of tea?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:06)
Right now, it's summer. I don't drink tea in the summer. I mostly just drink water and hydrate. I'm a non-caffeinated person. I love Tulsi tea. It's a stress-relief herbal tea.
Jackie Morreale (06:16)
Book or movie?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:17)
That's tough. If I had to choose, movie.
Jackie Morreale (06:20)
New York or Los Angeles?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:22)
Oof, there are going to be some people upset. My younger self, I always thought that I was very much a New York person. When I graduated from college, I was like, 'I'm going to New York, never LA.' Then here I am in LA, and I will have to say it's LA.
Jackie Morreale (06:24)
It's LA. The heat wins out. I am a New Yorker at heart, but I get it. It's beautiful in LA.
A movie that everyone should watch? Clearly Shakti is at the top of the list, but a second runner-up to Shakti.
Nani Sahra Walker (06:49)
This is always the hardest question for a filmmaker. How could you choose one film? There are thousands.
I would go with some of the classics. I just love Kurosawa's Ikiru; it touches on what it means to be human, and it's something that sticks with you after you watch it and stays with you for the rest of your life.
In terms of American, Sunset Boulevard is just so well written and embraces change. It's quite relevant right now, with all the changes in technology and the film industry. I would say it is the pinnacle of American filmmaking.
Then I guess I'll choose Pasolini's Mama Roma is a film that really stuck with me, about a single mom, the grittier side of Rome, and people who are marginalized. That's something that really speaks to me.
Jackie Morreale (07:36)
One word that describes you?
Nani Sahra Walker (07:38)
Curious. That has led me to documentary filmmaking. Being curious about other people's lives and what's happening. Living as someone in a place that is not my own.
Jackie Morreale (07:50)
That has to be my favorite attribute to anyone, being curious; to learn, curious to do, curious about why things are happening.
Favorite place to recharge?
Nani Sahra Walker (08:00)
Mountains, and seaside, both. I have a hard time choosing between those two. I'm going to Nepal in a couple of weeks. Over the past five years, when I was making my film, there was no time to go out into the mountains and into the wild. I love that. That's where I recharge.
The strenuous hiking, you face limitations and the beliefs that we have.
We're like, 'No, I can't go on any further.' But it's like, 'Yes, you can, just one step.'
It's very similar to making films. A lot of times, you're like, 'Alright, I've had enough.'
Keeping your momentum going and not backing down.
I also love floating in a sea, a warm sea in the Mediterranean.
Jackie Morreale (08:37)
Equally beautiful and meditative in their own way.
Biggest risk that you've ever taken? It could be hiking.
Nani Sahra Walker (08:44)
Hikes or no, I'd say professionally, it is making Shakti.
I left a kind of comfortable journalism job.
That was a big risk.
I'm so happy I took it.
I think listening to your own voice, listening to your intuition, was something that changed my life.
Working on documentaries meant a lot of listening to others' stories. But I wasn't listening to my own [story].
When I started doing that, an important shift happened.
Jackie Morreale (09:09)
If you were not filmmaking, what career would you be pursuing?
Nani Sahra Walker (09:13)
I've always had this fascination with medicine. Probably something in the healing arts, some kind of medical profession.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (05:43)
The meditation, the focus, the balance that you must have endured for these five years. You came out with this beautiful film. Congratulations. Thank you for sparking these conversations and your willingness to put in the hard work.
Let's take it a little bit lighter and get to know you, Nani, a little bit better.
First of all, are you a coffee or tea drinker? Tea. Any particular kind of tea?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:06)
Right now, it's summer. I don't drink tea in the summer. I mostly just drink water and hydrate. I'm a non-caffeinated person. I love Tulsi tea. It's a stress-relief herbal tea.
Jackie Morreale (06:16)
Book or movie?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:17)
That's tough. If I had to choose, movie.
Jackie Morreale (06:20)
New York or Los Angeles?
Nani Sahra Walker (06:22)
Oof, there are going to be some people upset. My younger self, I always thought that I was very much a New York person. When I graduated from college, I was like, 'I'm going to New York, never LA.' Then here I am in LA, and I will have to say it's LA.
Jackie Morreale (06:24)
It's LA. The heat wins out. I am a New Yorker at heart, but I get it. It's beautiful in LA.
A movie that everyone should watch? Clearly Shakti is at the top of the list, but a second runner-up to Shakti.
Nani Sahra Walker (06:49)
This is always the hardest question for a filmmaker. How could you choose one film? There are thousands.
I would go with some of the classics. I just love Kurosawa's Ikiru; it touches on what it means to be human, and it's something that sticks with you after you watch it and stays with you for the rest of your life.
In terms of American, Sunset Boulevard is just so well written and embraces change. It's quite relevant right now, with all the changes in technology and the film industry. I would say it is the pinnacle of American filmmaking.
Then I guess I'll choose Pasolini's Mama Roma is a film that really stuck with me, about a single mom, the grittier side of Rome, and people who are marginalized. That's something that really speaks to me.
Jackie Morreale (07:36)
One word that describes you?
Nani Sahra Walker (07:38)
Curious. That has led me to documentary filmmaking. Being curious about other people's lives and what's happening. Living as someone in a place that is not my own.
Jackie Morreale (07:50)
That has to be my favorite attribute to anyone, being curious; to learn, curious to do, curious about why things are happening.
Favorite place to recharge?
Nani Sahra Walker (08:00)
Mountains, and seaside, both. I have a hard time choosing between those two. I'm going to Nepal in a couple of weeks. Over the past five years, when I was making my film, there was no time to go out into the mountains and into the wild. I love that. That's where I recharge.
The strenuous hiking, you face limitations and the beliefs that we have.
We're like, 'No, I can't go on any further.' But it's like, 'Yes, you can, just one step.'
It's very similar to making films. A lot of times, you're like, 'Alright, I've had enough.'
Keeping your momentum going and not backing down.
I also love floating in a sea, a warm sea in the Mediterranean.
Jackie Morreale (08:37)
Equally beautiful and meditative in their own way.
Biggest risk that you've ever taken? It could be hiking.
Nani Sahra Walker (08:44)
Hikes or no, I'd say professionally, it is making Shakti.
I left a kind of comfortable journalism job.
That was a big risk.
I'm so happy I took it.
I think listening to your own voice, listening to your intuition, was something that changed my life.
Working on documentaries meant a lot of listening to others' stories. But I wasn't listening to my own [story].
When I started doing that, an important shift happened.
Jackie Morreale (09:09)
If you were not filmmaking, what career would you be pursuing?
Nani Sahra Walker (09:13)
I've always had this fascination with medicine. Probably something in the healing arts, some kind of medical profession.
(Continued below)
The cast and crew of Shakti, behind the scenes, on location in Nepal:
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(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (09:20)
It heals something to watch your films for sure. A quote that you live by?
Nani Sahra Walker (09:24)
In my twenties, I loved this quote, 'You must have chaos in yourself to give birth to a dancing star.' Nietzsche had said that.
We have to embrace all aspects of ourselves.
Passion can be fueled by many different things. We're always looking for order or the final result and those kinds of things. But it comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves and being okay with that.
If you keep practicing, that practice is the path.
My first production company was called Dancing Star Films, based on that quote.
Jackie Morreale (09:55)
Embrace your shadow, not just your light? Yeah, it's Shakti.
Nani Sahra Walker (09:56)
Being able to embrace all aspects of ourselves. That's a big motto in my life.
Jackie Morreale (10:04)
I see that in the character that you wrote, the young girl. She just has such a zest for life; I love that.
One item that you could never travel without?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:13)
My camera, but also notebook. That's really hard to choose.
What I love about film is that you can bring together writing and pictures.
Jackie Morreale (10:20)
Three words that describe your film, Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:24)
Resilient, fierce, and tender.
Jackie Morreale (10:26)
Very different words. That's the film. Everybody has to go on Tubi, Fawesome and Prime Video and go watch it for yourselves.
Let's talk more about Shakti. What inspired you to create Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:39)
This was a film that came from multiple places within me.
For one, it was 2020, and the world had shut down.
On the cusp of that, late 2019, I had read about a 35-day statute of limitations being in effect in Nepal until 2015.
I was shocked. How can this be? I grew up in Nepal. I'm a survivor. I felt like that's something that absolutely has to be talked about and has to be changed.
At the time, there were other films that were very inspiring to me and other people in the industry that were really speaking out. This was way post #MeToo, but still stories coming out.
One story in particular that really moved me was Adèle Haenel, who's a French actor, came out and spoke out against the violence and the abuse that she had endured by a director when she was a child actor. I just found that so courageous. I was like, 'Wow, in your own industry and to call out somebody who's in a place of power.'
That energy of somebody else doing that really fueled me as well.
And learning about this 35-day [statute of limitations].
Then suddenly the world shut down.
In COVID times, there was a lot of time on our hands. Friends were baking; everybody had a hobby. I said, 'I want to finish the script that I started.'
It's like the universe had given me this time and space to be able to focus.
Jackie Morreale (12:00)
Thank you for sharing. About COVID, I love that this was your 'baking project.'
Why is this story, Shakti, for us to watch right now?
Nani Sahra Walker (12:08)
Shakti is really important right now because we have so much going on in the media. Jeffrey Epstein files that are being covered up. Survivors' voices are coming out.
Being able to tap into this one family story puts you on an emotional journey.
It's such an important time to tap into that emotional connection, which I think can inspire you to go out and make a change or to do something in your own life.
I hope that more people can experience that kind of change and transformation.
Jackie Morreale (12:40)
I agree that survivors' voices are coming forward, and you are inspiring and empowering people. Let's talk more about the word 'shakti.'
What does it represent to you? It could be in this movie or to you personally.
Nani Sahra Walker (12:52)
‘Shakti’ means power and creative energy. It's like the yin-yang in Far Eastern traditions.
In South Asian traditions, there's Shiva-Shakti, at least in the Hindu tradition. It's the male energy and the female energy.
I think what's happened so much in our societies and in our lives is that they are separated, then they are placed on a hierarchy, and one is given much more importance.
For me, ‘shakti’ is about reclaiming the space and bringing back respect for the feminine power, which is incredible.
Everybody is born from a mother.
Every single human being would not be here without that feminine power. That's also what the young girl is coming to terms with: her own power.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (09:20)
It heals something to watch your films for sure. A quote that you live by?
Nani Sahra Walker (09:24)
In my twenties, I loved this quote, 'You must have chaos in yourself to give birth to a dancing star.' Nietzsche had said that.
We have to embrace all aspects of ourselves.
Passion can be fueled by many different things. We're always looking for order or the final result and those kinds of things. But it comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves and being okay with that.
If you keep practicing, that practice is the path.
My first production company was called Dancing Star Films, based on that quote.
Jackie Morreale (09:55)
Embrace your shadow, not just your light? Yeah, it's Shakti.
Nani Sahra Walker (09:56)
Being able to embrace all aspects of ourselves. That's a big motto in my life.
Jackie Morreale (10:04)
I see that in the character that you wrote, the young girl. She just has such a zest for life; I love that.
One item that you could never travel without?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:13)
My camera, but also notebook. That's really hard to choose.
What I love about film is that you can bring together writing and pictures.
Jackie Morreale (10:20)
Three words that describe your film, Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:24)
Resilient, fierce, and tender.
Jackie Morreale (10:26)
Very different words. That's the film. Everybody has to go on Tubi, Fawesome and Prime Video and go watch it for yourselves.
Let's talk more about Shakti. What inspired you to create Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (10:39)
This was a film that came from multiple places within me.
For one, it was 2020, and the world had shut down.
On the cusp of that, late 2019, I had read about a 35-day statute of limitations being in effect in Nepal until 2015.
I was shocked. How can this be? I grew up in Nepal. I'm a survivor. I felt like that's something that absolutely has to be talked about and has to be changed.
At the time, there were other films that were very inspiring to me and other people in the industry that were really speaking out. This was way post #MeToo, but still stories coming out.
One story in particular that really moved me was Adèle Haenel, who's a French actor, came out and spoke out against the violence and the abuse that she had endured by a director when she was a child actor. I just found that so courageous. I was like, 'Wow, in your own industry and to call out somebody who's in a place of power.'
That energy of somebody else doing that really fueled me as well.
And learning about this 35-day [statute of limitations].
Then suddenly the world shut down.
In COVID times, there was a lot of time on our hands. Friends were baking; everybody had a hobby. I said, 'I want to finish the script that I started.'
It's like the universe had given me this time and space to be able to focus.
Jackie Morreale (12:00)
Thank you for sharing. About COVID, I love that this was your 'baking project.'
Why is this story, Shakti, for us to watch right now?
Nani Sahra Walker (12:08)
Shakti is really important right now because we have so much going on in the media. Jeffrey Epstein files that are being covered up. Survivors' voices are coming out.
Being able to tap into this one family story puts you on an emotional journey.
It's such an important time to tap into that emotional connection, which I think can inspire you to go out and make a change or to do something in your own life.
I hope that more people can experience that kind of change and transformation.
Jackie Morreale (12:40)
I agree that survivors' voices are coming forward, and you are inspiring and empowering people. Let's talk more about the word 'shakti.'
What does it represent to you? It could be in this movie or to you personally.
Nani Sahra Walker (12:52)
‘Shakti’ means power and creative energy. It's like the yin-yang in Far Eastern traditions.
In South Asian traditions, there's Shiva-Shakti, at least in the Hindu tradition. It's the male energy and the female energy.
I think what's happened so much in our societies and in our lives is that they are separated, then they are placed on a hierarchy, and one is given much more importance.
For me, ‘shakti’ is about reclaiming the space and bringing back respect for the feminine power, which is incredible.
Everybody is born from a mother.
Every single human being would not be here without that feminine power. That's also what the young girl is coming to terms with: her own power.
(Continued below)
Behind the scenes of Shakti, including lighting, sound and camera crew:
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(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (13:38)
The three women are so beautiful together as this family unit. These strong female characters embody Shakti energy.
How do you hope your viewers feel when they've watched your film? When the credits are rolling?
Nani Sahra Walker (13:53)
Empowered. Wanting to go out and make a change.
There's really no scale; anything where we can reflect, reckon with ourselves, and make even the slightest change.
We can do so much better.
Jackie Morreale (14:03)
What is your most memorable scene in the film?
Nani Sahra Walker (14:05)
The Shaman scene; it's the first scene that I wrote when I wrote the screenplay.
It was the scene where healing happens. People during the festival tour have asked me about the religious significance. Am I placing more significance on the religion or not?
It's not about religion or belief.
It's about creating a space for healing.
That can be done anywhere.
Unfortunately, in a lot of our very structured systems, there's not much space for healing. We need to create more of that.
The healing doesn't happen in a hospital. There are some really good people there, and I think some of the caring characters come from the workplace, but it didn't happen there because we have also created this hierarchy of what is real medicine and what is not.
There's so much ancient wisdom and healing practices. I wanted to give a shout-out to those ancient healing practices because it's equally important.
We need to create a world where things are more integrated and we respect each other, even when there is difference in approach.
Jackie Morreale (15:07)
And everyone's healing looks different. Were there any unexpected lessons that emerged for you from making this film?
Nani Sahra Walker (15:08)
We do fail sometimes, and it's okay. There's so much learning that happens.
Being able to pick yourself up and say, 'That's not what defines me.'
The belief and the ability to keep moving.
This rejection that didn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things actually created a path to something that was meant for me.
Jackie Morreale (15:34)
You're such an inspiration. Even on those days when not everything goes the right way, you're making such a change and difference in the world. Thank you for that.
What conversations do you hope that your film Shakti sparks among your audiences?
Nani Sahra Walker (15:49)
I'd love for people to talk about how we can create a world that is safer for future generations, for ourselves.
What's the world that we want to live in? Those are the conversations, and it is intersectional with Shakti.
The caste system... sparking conversations around that in the South Asian community is so important.
It's often set aside, but it's the elephant in the room. But it's important to talk about it, because it exists.
Have these conversations on multiple levels, whether it's from a psychological or spiritual level or a social level.
Jackie Morreale (16:23)
It's projects like this that are doing that. I absolutely appreciate that conversation. I'm so glad that we're carrying it forward. If somebody only remembers one message from your film, what would it be?
Nani Sahra Walker (16:34)
Don't give up.
Jackie Morreale (16:36)
You're going to make me cry, Nani. It's so beautiful.
Anyway. Why is it so important to make this film available on free streaming platforms like Tubi and Fawesome?
Nani Sahra Walker (16:47)
I want as many people to watch the film as possible.
Festivals are great. They're such a wonderful place to connect with people and see that impact firsthand. But the reach is pretty limited.
Having it available on a streaming platform increases that I appreciate you so much because I think your audience is an audience that maybe didn't know about Shakti and will be able to go and watch the film.
This is what's exciting to me. Finding unexpected people who might watch the film and be inspired by it.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (13:38)
The three women are so beautiful together as this family unit. These strong female characters embody Shakti energy.
How do you hope your viewers feel when they've watched your film? When the credits are rolling?
Nani Sahra Walker (13:53)
Empowered. Wanting to go out and make a change.
There's really no scale; anything where we can reflect, reckon with ourselves, and make even the slightest change.
We can do so much better.
Jackie Morreale (14:03)
What is your most memorable scene in the film?
Nani Sahra Walker (14:05)
The Shaman scene; it's the first scene that I wrote when I wrote the screenplay.
It was the scene where healing happens. People during the festival tour have asked me about the religious significance. Am I placing more significance on the religion or not?
It's not about religion or belief.
It's about creating a space for healing.
That can be done anywhere.
Unfortunately, in a lot of our very structured systems, there's not much space for healing. We need to create more of that.
The healing doesn't happen in a hospital. There are some really good people there, and I think some of the caring characters come from the workplace, but it didn't happen there because we have also created this hierarchy of what is real medicine and what is not.
There's so much ancient wisdom and healing practices. I wanted to give a shout-out to those ancient healing practices because it's equally important.
We need to create a world where things are more integrated and we respect each other, even when there is difference in approach.
Jackie Morreale (15:07)
And everyone's healing looks different. Were there any unexpected lessons that emerged for you from making this film?
Nani Sahra Walker (15:08)
We do fail sometimes, and it's okay. There's so much learning that happens.
Being able to pick yourself up and say, 'That's not what defines me.'
The belief and the ability to keep moving.
This rejection that didn't mean anything in the grand scheme of things actually created a path to something that was meant for me.
Jackie Morreale (15:34)
You're such an inspiration. Even on those days when not everything goes the right way, you're making such a change and difference in the world. Thank you for that.
What conversations do you hope that your film Shakti sparks among your audiences?
Nani Sahra Walker (15:49)
I'd love for people to talk about how we can create a world that is safer for future generations, for ourselves.
What's the world that we want to live in? Those are the conversations, and it is intersectional with Shakti.
The caste system... sparking conversations around that in the South Asian community is so important.
It's often set aside, but it's the elephant in the room. But it's important to talk about it, because it exists.
Have these conversations on multiple levels, whether it's from a psychological or spiritual level or a social level.
Jackie Morreale (16:23)
It's projects like this that are doing that. I absolutely appreciate that conversation. I'm so glad that we're carrying it forward. If somebody only remembers one message from your film, what would it be?
Nani Sahra Walker (16:34)
Don't give up.
Jackie Morreale (16:36)
You're going to make me cry, Nani. It's so beautiful.
Anyway. Why is it so important to make this film available on free streaming platforms like Tubi and Fawesome?
Nani Sahra Walker (16:47)
I want as many people to watch the film as possible.
Festivals are great. They're such a wonderful place to connect with people and see that impact firsthand. But the reach is pretty limited.
Having it available on a streaming platform increases that I appreciate you so much because I think your audience is an audience that maybe didn't know about Shakti and will be able to go and watch the film.
This is what's exciting to me. Finding unexpected people who might watch the film and be inspired by it.
(Continued below)
Nani Sahra Walker behind the scenes of her film, Shakti:
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|
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (17:15)
Everybody out there needs to go see Shakti. It's an incredible film. It'll make you feel things.
Let's talk more about your filmmaking prowess. My gosh, you received this Oscar as co-executive producer for The Last Repair Shop in the Best Documentary Film category at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
This really happened to you two years ago! It's incredible. What does that mean to you?
Nani Sahra Walker (17:41)
It was incredible news. It was very exhilarating.
I was already in the process of making Shakti and I was like, 'It's really important, keep going.' It takes time to make films.
So many life events happen. I consider this as one of the other life events that happened in the time of making Shakti.
It really did give me the belief that I have to keep going.
When I first saw that cut come to my desk, this was two or three years before we won the Oscar. That's a short film. If that took that long, with Shakti it was like, 'Alright, keep going.'
This is more momentum.
Jackie Morreale (18:14)
Congratulations. Did achieving such a prestigious milestone change your perspective on success?
Nani Sahra Walker (18:21)
Recognition is nice, but at the same time, it's not the final idea of success for me. Success with Shakti, for instance, is really seeing that impact.
Adults coming to me in tears, fathers running to me after seeing the film, saying, 'I want to do something because I have a daughter.'
Those are the moments that feel like real success, where the film has connected so deeply with one individual, or they open up about their own lives and things that maybe they haven't shared with anybody in decades.
Success because I know that it's touching people, it's moving people. It's no longer in my hands.
It's worth it for those moments.
Jackie Morreale (19:03)
Speaking about all the stuff that led up to this, was there a challenge or a setback that ultimately became one of your greatest teachers when you look back at the film, Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (19:13)
We had applied for funding and various things. We did get some grants, but not all. Again, that sense of embracing the rejection as part of the process was the biggest lesson. The moment I embraced that, other doors opened.
We found this entrepreneur who wanted to invest in the film. He was from the Dalit community. He believed in the project. He and his wife said, 'Absolutely, we're on board.'
That was the moment.
It was giving myself permission, rather than seeking permission from some institution or some other power... basically giving your power away to somebody else to make your film.
Saying, 'I can still do this.' Staying on the path and not allowing anybody else's approval to be the final say.
That's why independent filmmaking is the place I want to be.
There are a lot of incredible collaborators and supporters of the film, not any one person made the film. This is truly a collective effort.
Jackie Morreale (20:12)
Shout out to those entrepreneurs, the husband-and-wife team. If only the world had more angels like you in it, right? To take your power to get your story out.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your prior self?
Nani Sahra Walker (20:24)
Don't wait for permission from anybody.
We've set up every industry where these are the powerhouses, and if you have permission from them or if you have a tick from them, then you're set.
It doesn't require that. It's all about you.
Truly independent filmmaking is reclaiming that back in your own hands and telling the stories. We need more independent voices.
If you look at film and television right now, so much of the writing sounds the same. Many characters look the same.
Everything is just becoming one homogeneous voice.
I’m excited for new voices.
Jackie Morreale (20:57)
The movie industry... It's been pretty much the same thing for a hundred years. The same big movie houses, the same big studios. Independent filmmakers like you are changing the whole industry, changing the future of film. I applaud you and thank you for what you're doing. I know it's not easy, you make it look easy!
Let's talk about the word 'wannabe' because I wanna be more like you.
Nani Sahra Walker (21:16)
Thank you.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (17:15)
Everybody out there needs to go see Shakti. It's an incredible film. It'll make you feel things.
Let's talk more about your filmmaking prowess. My gosh, you received this Oscar as co-executive producer for The Last Repair Shop in the Best Documentary Film category at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
This really happened to you two years ago! It's incredible. What does that mean to you?
Nani Sahra Walker (17:41)
It was incredible news. It was very exhilarating.
I was already in the process of making Shakti and I was like, 'It's really important, keep going.' It takes time to make films.
So many life events happen. I consider this as one of the other life events that happened in the time of making Shakti.
It really did give me the belief that I have to keep going.
When I first saw that cut come to my desk, this was two or three years before we won the Oscar. That's a short film. If that took that long, with Shakti it was like, 'Alright, keep going.'
This is more momentum.
Jackie Morreale (18:14)
Congratulations. Did achieving such a prestigious milestone change your perspective on success?
Nani Sahra Walker (18:21)
Recognition is nice, but at the same time, it's not the final idea of success for me. Success with Shakti, for instance, is really seeing that impact.
Adults coming to me in tears, fathers running to me after seeing the film, saying, 'I want to do something because I have a daughter.'
Those are the moments that feel like real success, where the film has connected so deeply with one individual, or they open up about their own lives and things that maybe they haven't shared with anybody in decades.
Success because I know that it's touching people, it's moving people. It's no longer in my hands.
It's worth it for those moments.
Jackie Morreale (19:03)
Speaking about all the stuff that led up to this, was there a challenge or a setback that ultimately became one of your greatest teachers when you look back at the film, Shakti?
Nani Sahra Walker (19:13)
We had applied for funding and various things. We did get some grants, but not all. Again, that sense of embracing the rejection as part of the process was the biggest lesson. The moment I embraced that, other doors opened.
We found this entrepreneur who wanted to invest in the film. He was from the Dalit community. He believed in the project. He and his wife said, 'Absolutely, we're on board.'
That was the moment.
It was giving myself permission, rather than seeking permission from some institution or some other power... basically giving your power away to somebody else to make your film.
Saying, 'I can still do this.' Staying on the path and not allowing anybody else's approval to be the final say.
That's why independent filmmaking is the place I want to be.
There are a lot of incredible collaborators and supporters of the film, not any one person made the film. This is truly a collective effort.
Jackie Morreale (20:12)
Shout out to those entrepreneurs, the husband-and-wife team. If only the world had more angels like you in it, right? To take your power to get your story out.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your prior self?
Nani Sahra Walker (20:24)
Don't wait for permission from anybody.
We've set up every industry where these are the powerhouses, and if you have permission from them or if you have a tick from them, then you're set.
It doesn't require that. It's all about you.
Truly independent filmmaking is reclaiming that back in your own hands and telling the stories. We need more independent voices.
If you look at film and television right now, so much of the writing sounds the same. Many characters look the same.
Everything is just becoming one homogeneous voice.
I’m excited for new voices.
Jackie Morreale (20:57)
The movie industry... It's been pretty much the same thing for a hundred years. The same big movie houses, the same big studios. Independent filmmakers like you are changing the whole industry, changing the future of film. I applaud you and thank you for what you're doing. I know it's not easy, you make it look easy!
Let's talk about the word 'wannabe' because I wanna be more like you.
Nani Sahra Walker (21:16)
Thank you.
(Continued below)
Watch the trailer for Shakti:
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (21:20)
Everything that you're doing creatively is so inspiring to me. What is one thing that every creative wannabe, whether it's journalist wannabe, filmmaker wannabe, writing wannabe, producing wannabe, can start doing today to take that first step?
Nani Sahra Walker (21:36)
I'm inspired by you, too. You've wanted to do this podcast, and you're doing it. You built this incredible audience, and have such interesting people coming on.
It's like that; just doing the work.
We have to start somewhere.
If it's writing that you want to do or making films, doing the work and practicing the path that you want to do.
Stop looking outside for external approval.
Once we click into that internal system, the paths open and the doors open, and everything works out.
Trusting the process... that's so important. It's hard to see... If we can trust in the process, then things do work out.
They have been doing so for thousands of years for people who have been creating.
Jackie Morreale (22:16)
It’s so hard to let go and trust the process, though. But yes, I agree wholeheartedly.
Thank you for the shout-out to my podcast. It's because of people like you that we've been able to build this audience.
Any shout-outs to people who are doing great things in the field today or who have helped you to get where you are on your path today?
Nani Sahra Walker (22:36)
There are a lot of amazing independent filmmakers out there, and I won't name everybody. I love the independent route; it brings that power back to us, it doesn't crumble because of external events.
In terms of shout-outs with Shakti, there are so many people I would love to thank, including my entire cast and crew. I couldn't have made this film without every single one of them. We're talking about hundreds of people. I can't name them all...
I mentioned [our lead actor] Laxmi Bardewa earlier.
Menuka Pradhan is the other lead who plays the sister/aunt. She's coming to LA from Nepal.
It's really exciting. We have this awards presentation. She's going to be here with me for that. I'm really excited to share that moment with her.
Then Polina Oli, the child actor, just so grateful for her. She's incredibly talented and hardworking, so committed to the craft.
And, all of the other actors and crew members.
My DP Keiko Nakahara was seven and a half months pregnant filming Shakti. I always want to shed light on that because it's incredible.
Jackie Morreale (23:37)
I didn’t watch all the way to the end of the credits. Do you have Shakti babies at the end?
Nani Sahra Walker (23:42)
That's a credit I need to add because there have been multiple Shakti babies.
My production designer and producer, Candi Guterres, is just such an important collaborator on this project.
My partner and producer, Ida Sonni, was with me from the very beginning. We share so much more than this film, but it's so important.
Then my entire family that's been incredibly supportive of this process. Leaving a somewhat more stable job and saying, 'I'm going to go make my film. This is what I want to do.'
They've just been like, 'Yes, that's amazing.' Now my mom shares with everybody, her friends, her community, everyone, 'Go watch Shakti.'
We got to go to the TIFF light box in Toronto. My mom, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my kids… we went to watch the film there.
My dad who lives in Japan has been putting it on a local listserv there, 'Go watch Shakti,' to his friends.
The support that I have is really incredible.
Then my mentors as well. I've had incredible mentors in this process.
John McCutcheon, who was at the LA Times. He was heading the whole visual departments there. He allowed me to go on a film leave when I was working full-time at the LA Times. Without his support, I wouldn't have been able to make the film, or it would have been delayed.
I always want to give props to people who are supportive of creative journeys, which are always windy, not a straight line.
Jackie Morreale (25:06)
Thank you, Nani's family and friends and entire support group. It takes a village. Look at how many people you brought together. Wow.
You talked about awards... Tell me more about the recent award.
Nani Sahra Walker (25:17)
It was recently announced on Deadline that I have been named the Best Filmmaker of 2026 by New Filmmakers LA. I'm super thrilled and just so honored because New Filmmakers LA is an incredible organization, and we had our film screened at the festival last year.
It comes with a cash grant, which will go towards my next project.
Jackie Morreale (25:40)
Congratulations on the recognition. Congratulations on the grant towards your next project. Congratulations on your cast and crew joining you. You deserve that and so much more.
Nani Sahra Walker (25:52)
Thank you so much for having me. It's been such a pleasure talking to you. It's such a fun conversation.
Jackie Morreale (25:57)
Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your movie Shakti with me and the world.
Thank you for everything, and have a great day.
Nani Sahra Walker (26:05)
Thank you. Bye.
To learn more about Nani Sahra Walker, visit her IMDB page.
Jackie Morreale (21:20)
Everything that you're doing creatively is so inspiring to me. What is one thing that every creative wannabe, whether it's journalist wannabe, filmmaker wannabe, writing wannabe, producing wannabe, can start doing today to take that first step?
Nani Sahra Walker (21:36)
I'm inspired by you, too. You've wanted to do this podcast, and you're doing it. You built this incredible audience, and have such interesting people coming on.
It's like that; just doing the work.
We have to start somewhere.
If it's writing that you want to do or making films, doing the work and practicing the path that you want to do.
Stop looking outside for external approval.
Once we click into that internal system, the paths open and the doors open, and everything works out.
Trusting the process... that's so important. It's hard to see... If we can trust in the process, then things do work out.
They have been doing so for thousands of years for people who have been creating.
Jackie Morreale (22:16)
It’s so hard to let go and trust the process, though. But yes, I agree wholeheartedly.
Thank you for the shout-out to my podcast. It's because of people like you that we've been able to build this audience.
Any shout-outs to people who are doing great things in the field today or who have helped you to get where you are on your path today?
Nani Sahra Walker (22:36)
There are a lot of amazing independent filmmakers out there, and I won't name everybody. I love the independent route; it brings that power back to us, it doesn't crumble because of external events.
In terms of shout-outs with Shakti, there are so many people I would love to thank, including my entire cast and crew. I couldn't have made this film without every single one of them. We're talking about hundreds of people. I can't name them all...
I mentioned [our lead actor] Laxmi Bardewa earlier.
Menuka Pradhan is the other lead who plays the sister/aunt. She's coming to LA from Nepal.
It's really exciting. We have this awards presentation. She's going to be here with me for that. I'm really excited to share that moment with her.
Then Polina Oli, the child actor, just so grateful for her. She's incredibly talented and hardworking, so committed to the craft.
And, all of the other actors and crew members.
My DP Keiko Nakahara was seven and a half months pregnant filming Shakti. I always want to shed light on that because it's incredible.
Jackie Morreale (23:37)
I didn’t watch all the way to the end of the credits. Do you have Shakti babies at the end?
Nani Sahra Walker (23:42)
That's a credit I need to add because there have been multiple Shakti babies.
My production designer and producer, Candi Guterres, is just such an important collaborator on this project.
My partner and producer, Ida Sonni, was with me from the very beginning. We share so much more than this film, but it's so important.
Then my entire family that's been incredibly supportive of this process. Leaving a somewhat more stable job and saying, 'I'm going to go make my film. This is what I want to do.'
They've just been like, 'Yes, that's amazing.' Now my mom shares with everybody, her friends, her community, everyone, 'Go watch Shakti.'
We got to go to the TIFF light box in Toronto. My mom, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my kids… we went to watch the film there.
My dad who lives in Japan has been putting it on a local listserv there, 'Go watch Shakti,' to his friends.
The support that I have is really incredible.
Then my mentors as well. I've had incredible mentors in this process.
John McCutcheon, who was at the LA Times. He was heading the whole visual departments there. He allowed me to go on a film leave when I was working full-time at the LA Times. Without his support, I wouldn't have been able to make the film, or it would have been delayed.
I always want to give props to people who are supportive of creative journeys, which are always windy, not a straight line.
Jackie Morreale (25:06)
Thank you, Nani's family and friends and entire support group. It takes a village. Look at how many people you brought together. Wow.
You talked about awards... Tell me more about the recent award.
Nani Sahra Walker (25:17)
It was recently announced on Deadline that I have been named the Best Filmmaker of 2026 by New Filmmakers LA. I'm super thrilled and just so honored because New Filmmakers LA is an incredible organization, and we had our film screened at the festival last year.
It comes with a cash grant, which will go towards my next project.
Jackie Morreale (25:40)
Congratulations on the recognition. Congratulations on the grant towards your next project. Congratulations on your cast and crew joining you. You deserve that and so much more.
Nani Sahra Walker (25:52)
Thank you so much for having me. It's been such a pleasure talking to you. It's such a fun conversation.
Jackie Morreale (25:57)
Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your movie Shakti with me and the world.
Thank you for everything, and have a great day.
Nani Sahra Walker (26:05)
Thank you. Bye.
To learn more about Nani Sahra Walker, visit her IMDB page.
Shakti film poster
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Watch Shakti Now.
When her mischievous daughter falls mysteriously ill, a single mother is drawn into Kathmandu's supernatural underworld of shamans and secrets-where resilience may be their only path to redemption.
Drama | 4.6/5 IMDb 8.4/10 2026 | 1h 34min Cast: Laxmi Bardewa,Menuka Pradhan,Shristi Shrestha 16+ |
Laxmi Bardewa, Menuka Pradhan, and Polina Oli in Shakti
Storytelling, continued! Classic films to watch, recommended by Nani Sahra Walker:
Ikiru, by Akira Kurosawa
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Sunset Boulevard, by Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, and D. M. Marshman Jr.
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Mamma Roma, by Pier Paolo Pasolini
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