In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director Radha Mehta to discuss her deeply personal and emotionally resonant short film Sūnna— which means “listen.”

Inspired by Mehta’s own lived experience, Sūnna explores the fragile relationship between identity, sound, and silence. We dive into the film’s origins, its sensory storytelling approach, and how music, culture, and memory become tools for reclaiming self after loss.

Mehta opens up about portraying hearing loss with authenticity, challenging traditional narratives around disability, and crafting a story that is both intimate and universally relatable. We also explore the film’s cultural roots, its mother-daughter dynamic, and the creative process behind bringing such a nuanced, experiential story to life.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, artistic identity, and learning to “listen” beyond sound.