Razan Saylami, an internationally acclaimed production designer, found significant recognition in India’s film festival circuit (MIFF, DSPFF, JIFF) and achieved viral success by blending her unique artistic vision with India’s rich aesthetic and collaborating on projects like Shubh’s music video.
Razan Saylami is one of the leading production designers working today. She has won many international awards. To name a few: Many Thousands Lost (American Black Film Festival and Cannes Short Film Corner), Blue Top (LA Shorts International Film Festival), The Yellow Subconscious of Sir Ben (Giffoni Film Festival, Italy). In 2025 she has continued impressing juries around the world especially in India. Her works were recognized in many Indian film festivals. Blood Relations at MIFF (Mumbai International Film Festival), Stolen Wishes at DSPFF (Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival), and The Void at JIFF (Jaipur International Film Festival). Along with this, her production design work on the music video with India’s Shubh reached millions.
In this interview, we will find out more about her international success and how her artistic vision matches with Indian cinema.
Q: Blood Relations was featured as an official selection at this year’s Mumbai International Film Festival; one of India’s most prestigious stages for short films. What does it mean to see your work being recognized by such a prestigious platform?
A: It’s fascinating. MIFF is a film festival with such a long history and diversity. Having our film selected alongside such high-caliber international works, is a recognition for our creative team. This gives us the needed confidence to go on and make a better craft in the future.
Q: Your short film Stolen Wishes was shown at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, not only that, it also secured a spot in the top ten short films of this year. What did this Indian honor mean to you as a designer?
A: Being recognized by DSPFF is such an honor. It’s great to see our work being noticed by a platform as prestigious as this. It drives me to create even better content in the future.
Q: Your short film The Void was screened at the Jaipur International Film Festival. Rewarded for utilizing breakthrough talent. What are the elements in Indian cinema and culture that inspire your approach in production designing?
A: India has an incredibly rich culture. An ordinary Indian household is filled with a variety of different textures and colors; I use that as my inspiration along with blending my own vision and thoughts with a strong India
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