Reeva Singh, LISFF 2026, Feature Screenplay Official Selection

- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

I spend most of my time in deep thought, attracting wildlife and passersby who stop to admire the deep thinking going on. It’s a blessing and a curse. 

- When and how did you get into writing/filmmaking?

Been writing all my life. However, only been screenwriting with a view to a professional career in the last few years and am trying to catch up for lost time.

No, you’re crazy.

- How often do you write/create/ develop ideas? Do you have a writing/creative routine? And what inspires you to write?

Nightmares used to be my main inspiration for ideas. Now, real life is so disturbing that my nightmares are a retreat.

I try to write every day, even if only a few lines. It helps that I try to only write ideas that I can’t shake off over time, even if I’m not sure about them at first. Or later. Or at all.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Just getting the script noticed in any way is a great feeling. It means there’s at least one other person who shares my questionable taste.

- What's the best and most challenging thing about writing/filmmaking in your genre/form? 

The most challenging thing about screenwriting is the stripped-down nature of the format. You cannot afford the luxury of long prose or dialogue to get everything across.

The best thing about screenwriting is that it’s writing for the best medium in the world. Fight me.

- How did you develop the idea for your LISFF/LISP-selected work? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

Seriously, it came from a nightmare. I may need help.

It was one of those fortuitous things where the story flowed quite easily for once. I wrote the first draft in a matter of weeks, though I needed several heavy redrafts to get it right.

- Can you please give us a few tips about filmmaking/ scriptwriting/writing?

Write the idea you’re passionate about or just can’t drop. Any other motivator puts you at risk of not finishing.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions/festivals? 

Wondering whether someone is actually going to give your script a fair chance by reading it when they’re in the mood, not distracted, not under pressure etc..

Ask me about the best thing if/when I ever win.

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers/filmmakers submit to LISP/LISFF?

Of course. One of the refreshing things about this festival was the constant updating and communication. It often feels your work goes into a black hole with most competitions and you don’t know if anyone ever even got the submission.

This was a really nice change from the norm. So, kudos.