Individuals who exist at the margins of society become the center of attention in Mira Nair’s visually stunning films. A native of India who was educated at Delhi University and Harvard University, Nair is particularly adept at telling stories that bridge the gap between cultures. Her rich cinematic storytelling provides a compelling medium for examining the challenging issues of race, class, sexuality, inter-generational strife and cultural appropriation. For Nair, each film “and every chance to address a live audience” serves an exploration of the artist’s role in society.

Mira Nair’s films include her Oscar-nominated debut, Salaam Bombay! (1998), Mississippi Masala (1991), Monsoon Wedding (2001), and The Namesake (2006). She is currently filming Shantaram (2009), which stars Johnny Depp, and Amelia (2009), in which Hilary Swank plays Amelia Earheart.

Underwritten by Union Bank of California