Shantanu Sagara is a second semester freshman film student born and raised in India. He considers the focus of his filmmaking experimental by nature, showcasing the vibrant color and habitation of his native culture.   Jackalope Magazine: How did you get into film? Shantanu Sagara: I grew up around a lot of artists because there are a lot of artists in my family. They would have dinners all the time and they would talk about film, art and music. My father is a sculptor and a painter and my mom is a university professor.   JM: How did you learn about the Santa Fe University of Art and Design? SS: So, one of my parents’ friends, her name is Linda Bangles, she is an American artist and has a studio a little ways out of Santa Fe. She was just over and we were talking about film schools outside of India because I didn’t want to study in India because I’m not a big fan of Indian Cinema. She told me about this school and I checked it out right away.   JM: What kind of influences did you grow up with in terms of film genre? SS: I used to play bass guitar in a bunch of bands in my city. They were older than me and more exposed to western culture like music and movies. One of my friends would always recommend films to watch and I’d watch them.   JM: What are you looking to focus on craft wise at the film school? SS: When I first came here, I had no other intention but to be a director. As I go through my classes…I see a lot more things that I can do. One thing I’ve been looking at...

Originally from India, Graphic Design majors Shruti Sharma (Bombay) and Sanjana Bhatnagar (New Delhi)—who go to school together back home—have spent the last few months studying abroad at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. Sharma and Bhatnagar share their experiences in America with Jackalope Magazine.