DEEPA KESHVALA

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Deepa is being the role model she never had as a brown woman in film. She has worked with established names aplenty: from brands like Burberry, Ace & Tate and Libresse, to artists like Burna Boy, Chaka Khan and Jorja Smith. Alongside, she’s been building up a body of indie work with up-and-coming directors and emerging creative talent.

Deepa’s interest in being behind the camera started on her gap year, after spending time on a Bollywood film set in India. At university she realised that cinematography was its own thing, and followed her heart into the industry as an intern. After working her way up from director’s assistant to second AD, Deepa began shooting commercial content for advertising, fashion and music. One of her most celebrated films to date has been Viva La Vulva, which is characteristic of her optimistic, empowering output. Deepa has also shot several shorts, including the BAFTA-nominated short Goldfish and the highly personal Kara: her own narrative film about her estranged father, which won Best Film at the London Film Festival on its release. Now a decade into her career, Deepa is continuing to tell stories in the way only she can, to foster a sense of connection and story through her lens and work. She has also shown she is unafraid to stand up for her beliefs, after her decision to walk away from an unethical client project went viral, prompting widespread discussion about gatekeeping and ethics in advertising.