Ashish Sahasrabuddhe
Ashish Sahasrabuddhe is an Indian-born, Sydney-based filmmaker, writer, and director recognized for his independent, self-funded projects. His films and series often focus on relationships, migrant struggles, and community-driven narratives. Known for creating authentic stories outside mainstream cinema, Ashish has earned recognition at international film festivals and built a reputation for resilience and creative independence.
Early Life and Background
Ashish was born in India before migrating to Australia, where he eventually settled in Sydney. While information about his early education and family remains private, he pursued his passion for filmmaking alongside a full-time professional career. Balancing mortgage payments, bills, and daily responsibilities, he chose to self-finance his films, believing in persistence and creative freedom rather than depending on external investors.
Career
Beginnings in Filmmaking
Ashish entered the filmmaking world in 2018, with a strong focus on self-reliance and storytelling. Unlike many independent filmmakers who rely on grants or external funding, he chose to initiate and execute his projects independently. His approach emphasized experimenting with themes, exploring relationships, and representing the voices of ordinary people, especially within migrant communities.
The Filmmaker
His first feature film, The Filmmaker, was produced in Sydney in the Marathi language. Despite being shot outside India, the film resonated with audiences and critics, winning the Best Writer Award at the Marathi International Film Festival in New Jersey and the Best Experimental Film Award at the Cafe Irani Chaii International Film Festival in Mumbai. Subtitles enabled the project to reach wider audiences, including English-speaking viewers.
50 Dollars
In the short film 50 Dollars, Ashish examined the dual nature of a female entrepreneur’s personality, portraying both arrogance and compassion. The narrative highlighted his focus on nuanced character portrayals and strong female perspectives.
Dear Men
His five-episode series Dear Men explored men’s emotional journeys and vulnerabilities. The project attempted to challenge stereotypes of masculinity, opening conversations around mental health and emotional struggles often ignored in mainstream cinema.
Socially Suna Hai
Released in 2024, Socially Suna Hai was a light comedy that examined gossip within immigrant communities. The film became his first project screened in Sydney cinema halls and explored how some immigrants, after settling successfully, began indulging in divisive gossip rather than building unity.
Ghar Impossible
With Ghar Impossible, Ashish turned to Australia’s real estate boom, shedding light on the struggles of ordinary families trying to purchase property amidst rising prices and social pressures.
Oh My Job
This five-episode series highlighted the challenges faced by new migrants in Australia when seeking employment. It reflected the experiences of many newcomers, resonating with international students and working professionals alike.
Arrived in Australia
His ambitious 30-episode series Arrived in Australia documented diverse immigrant stories, showcasing personal achievements, community efforts, and shared struggles of adapting to a new life in a foreign land.
Swipe Swipe
In 2025, Ashish released Swipe Swipe, a 73-minute feature on modern dating and digital relationships. Produced on a very low budget without A-list actors, the film addressed the contrast between the ease of dating app culture and the difficulties of real emotional connection. Screened in Sydney and Canberra, the movie sold out all shows a month before release, with audiences attending multiple screenings.
Style and Themes
Ashish’s filmmaking is marked by:
- Low-budget, self-funded projects financed entirely from personal savings.
- Authentic storytelling, prioritizing community narratives and character-driven plots.
- Themes of migration and resilience, reflecting struggles of everyday people.
- Experimentation, with short films, series, and full-length features across genres.
He embraces failures as part of his creative journey, famously stating: “Yes, I fail but haven’t given up, so I was able to produce good films.”
Philosophy
Ashish encourages aspiring filmmakers to pursue passion over financial success, stressing that steady progress is more important than quick recognition. His words, “It’s okay I am slow, but I keep moving forward on the path I carved for myself,” summarize his creative ethos.
Recognition
- Best Writer – Marathi International Film Festival, New Jersey, USA (The Filmmaker)
- Best Experimental Film – Cafe Irani Chaii International Film Festival, Mumbai, India (The Filmmaker)
Filmography
Feature Films
- The Filmmaker – Marathi-language feature, Sydney, Australia
- Swipe Swipe – Relationship/dating-themed feature (2025)
- Socially Suna Hai – Comedy on gossip culture in immigrant communities (2024)
- Ghar Impossible – Film on real estate challenges in Australia
Short Films / Series
- 50 Dollars – Short film about a businesswoman’s personality conflict
- Dear Men – Five-episode series on men’s emotional lives
- Oh My Job – Five-episode migrant job-seeking series
- Arrived in Australia – 30-episode series on immigrant experiences
External Links
- Instagram – [Ashish Sahasrabuddhe](https://www.instagram.com/Ash.live.Sydney)
- Trailer – Swipe Swipe
Categories
- Indian film directors
- Indian emigrants to Australia
- Living people
- Marathi-language film directors
- Independent filmmakers
- People from Sydney