We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gauri Singh. Check out our conversation below.
Gauri, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I walk a path my soul and heart has whispered to me for years —
a path of serving people and ;animals, easing burdens, and offering quiet kindness as I go along day to day
I have God’s blessing bestowed upon me in many ways,
in the stillness between breaths,
in the softness of compassion,
in the light that rises whenever I choose love over anything else.
I feed the voiceless creatures of this earth,
I stand by family and friends in their hours of need,
and in every act of care,
I feel my spirit align my purpose.
This is my true calling —
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Background & Origins
My name is Gauri Singh, I am based in North Carolina, and she’s deeply involved in the local and global South Asian film community. I co-founded the Wake Forest Film Festival, motivated by my passion for cinema and social change.
I am also the founder of the North Carolina Indian & South Asian Film Festival (NCISAFF) & Franklin Flicks Film Festival. I am a cultural art leader in Franklin County and Wake County, North Carolina. I am the Franklin County Captain for ArtNC for the four (4) yeas, where I represent and advocates for arts funding for local art organizations in Franklin county, which is conveyed to political leaders, and the funding is dispersed to the county. In my full time professional employment, I am employed as Senior Order Specialist for Extreme Networks, a U.S. based networking company that covers everything from on-the-ground hardware to cloud based management and security. In this role, she acts as a bridge between sales, operations, finance, and supply chain teams and is responsible for executing the end-to-end order lifecycle order entry, validation, compliance checks, fulfillment coordination, and timely delivery. to ensure exceptional customer experience and maintain long term healthy customer relationships.
Creative Work
I write, act, produce, document and directs. On my IMDb biography, I am credited for “Yadvi: The Dignified Princess” (as writer) and more than dozen films. One of my projects: Sarees & Suitcases, a film that explores the journey of the saree from the Indus Valley to the U.S., emphasizing heritage, identity, and cultural continuity. In the making of this film, I became a saree print designer swaying away form traditional prints and has explored a new field of prints focusing on the American and global day to day aspects of life, I am the pioneer in the field and this idea will be soon adopted by others, opening a new field in itself.
In Yadvi – The Dignified Princess,I am the screenplay writer. I am also a poet, song writer,, with more than dozen poems writing about nature, the state, politics, and relationships. I believe we need to be humble and your work speaks for you, however, I have been asked to speak to my work many times to motivate young minds and to inspire others. Hence, I speak.
Festival Leadership
Beyond making films, I am very community-oriented. I founded NCISAFF to create a platform for South Asian and independent filmmakers. These three leaderships positions are 100% voluntary.
O also co-founded the Franklin Flix International Film Festival to bring forth the stories through making films of people local to Franklin County, NC, and also to showcase a different world of thoughts through film in a rural community..
My philosophy for the festivals is deeply tied to social change: believes in using cinema to “bring world peace, encourage diversity, unity … being the agent of change” through storytelling.
What Her Brand Represents
Cultural Bridge-Builder: using film to bridge cultures, especially between South Asia and the U.S. Her festivals highlight South Asian voices and stories but also connect with global audiences.
Community & Empowerment: the work isn’t just about art — it’s about empowering artists, particularly those from marginalized or diasporic backgrounds, and building community through shared cultural platforms.
Heritage & Identity: Projects like Sarees & Suitcases shows deeply about tradition, but also how it evolves. This shows I am interested in identity, especially how immigrant culture preserves and adapts heritage.
Service & Change: my festivals are nonprofit-driven, and that one of her goals is social change.
Art + Heart: Beyond business, my mission is spiritual or values-led in a way: emphasizes compassion (“Compassion is the key to happiness,” per my festival bio, we also feeds homeless humans and animals through the Rajmata Vimala Devi Charitable organization co-founded in 1990).
Her Impact & Significance
By founding film festivals, she not only gives a platform to South Asian, global, and national independent filmmakers but also builds community in her city and surrounding counties (Waket / Franklin County).
Her films and screenplays amplify underrepresented stories (royalty, immigration, tradition, homeless, charity, culture, abuse,) in a way that’s accessible and emotionally resonant.
As a creative leader, she inspires others (especially women, South Asians, and indie creators) to use film as a tool for cultural dialogue and personal expression.
She embodies the idea that art + activism can coexist: she’s not just telling stories, she’s building institutions (festivals) that sustain and nurture those stories long-term.
I have worked to inspire youth across Franklin and Wake Counties through meaningful creative and cultural projects. With Girl Scouts Troop 508 in Franklin County, NC, I introduced them to independent film arts, involved them in film festival preparation, and encouraged them to model leadership during the event. I also guided the troop in creating a cultural project on India, which they presented on Global Day.
In Wake County, NC, I inspired youth by providing educational materials on cell phone photography and assisting five groups of seven students each in developing a documentary on Black Historic Sites in Raleigh, a project still in progress. This work offered valuable insight into their perspectives and was carried out in collaboration with Kim Soden and Susan Grimes, of Jack & Jill Chapter of Raleigh chapter of Wake County., NC
Work in progress
Gauri is currently working on new saree prints being a Pioneer in Saree Global Futurism “Saree Futurism” – A global evolution in saree design keeping traditional fabrics and introducing new fabrics home to the country or region you might be living in, and asking people to adopt designs local to them in different countries, not just catered to the traditional prints from India, which should be kept alive but diverge into a new field, It is a diverse outfit which does not care what size you are, it is 5.5 yard fabric to 7 yards. It fosters creativity and diversity in usage, in size, race, open to all, diverse fabrics, designs, open to all, she has also mentioned I am also working on, a non fiction story book about my mothers life which is 70% complete, hope to have one print by April, a Cartoon story book which focuses on wellness characters, Doll creations, my poetry books which today has love of my surroundings with spiritual mentions, and some of grieving of losses and of division because of political upheaval, and my new episodes, Adventures with Gauri. This will all be coming to Fruition in 2026 /2027 time frame. My heart is totally into creation, I dive into these thoughts while sitting, while sleeping, and never realized I could design saree, orthose same designs can go on other fabrics. ,
Lastly, a very exciting year, I’ve developed a new idea that brings a traditional Indian cultural concept into a local setting by integrating it with local rural art pathways. This concept is entirely original, and I prefer to keep it private until I’m ready to formally begin the work, with the long-term goal of creating a pathway from the United States to a global audience for this traditional rural art work incorporating Indian traditional art form.. It’s something I intend to study and master first before sharing more broadly. and then roll out.
Awards Received in 2024 /2025 time frame are many but I will mention a few
Power of She Award for Sarees Across America by Peoples Film Festival – 2025
Surf City International Film Festival award for Informative and Costuming awards for the film “Sarees across America” -2025
2nd Best Director Jury Award for Discovering History: Washington County African American Museum and cultural art center 2025
Best Experimental Award for Sarees Across America by Lake City International Film Festival 2025
Best Screenplay award at the 9th India world film festival for Sarees Across America festival 2025
Honorable Mention and Certificate at the 13th Bangalore Short film Festival for Sarees Across America 2025
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
There were only a few people in my life who truly saw me as an artist before I ever claimed the title for myself. These have been my role models I look up to them as there was no real expectations to return the favor, and it was given from their heart and it was a true faithful gift for me to succeed. One of the first was a member of the NC arts council , Brandy Neuwirth, who sat with me, helped me fill out my very first grant form, and encouraged me to apply when I doubted I should. This person read my writing, believed in my voice, and opened doors I never knew existed.
Brandy Neuwirth introduced me to someone in Wake County, Ragen Carlile, She is the VP of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, who interviewed me and later invited me to serve on a cultural arts board — a role I proudly held for seven years. That same mentor urged me to apply for a major grant in 2023 while attending an ArtsNC event. At the time, I didn’t think it mattered, but I had faith in the organization I had built. That belief, combined with God’s grace, led to opportunities far beyond what I imagined. Ragen’s belief in me for more than 9 years, led me to look at her as my role model as I sat in many committees for the festivals. happening in wake county, where her open minded and looking at different grants with a diverse perspective, made me realize, there are real people still out there who want the best for everyone without jealous, competition, or what can I get in return. I was drawn to this personality as it mirrored mine. She has been my role model since then.
Through this journey, I discovered that I am not only an artist, but also a cultural arts leader — one who brings authentic community feedback to Wake County, contributes to diverse festivals, and serves on grant panels, even while living in Franklin County. This mentor’s faith opened paths for me, including grants for events outside my own county, proving that when intention is pure, blessings multiply.
My path in filmmaking came from another source of inspiration: my sister, Jyoti Singh. Based in New York City, she is an actress turned full-time humanitarian. She brought me into her film world, introduced me to her creative circle, and gave me my earliest experience in cinema. She believed in my screenplay Yadvi – The Dignified Princess and helped bring it to life on screen. Even my older sister, Ketki Puri, who used to once serve 21 cats for a period of 2 years, Jyoti has been doing for 7 years.
Then there is Kim Soden, who co-founded the Wake Forest Film Festival with me, She has helped me and my county tremendously, by introducing the county non profits to the NC Coalition to End Homeless, she visited the Franklin County, NC by my invitation and her assistance led the county to light and open doors to grants for homeless solutions in Franklin County, NC. If it was not for her, the local non profits in Franklin County would not have access to Grant solutions or open doors to being involved in Regional 9 Homeless Committee where I am the Franklin County Representative for 1.5 years. This region 9 has brought to view the existence of homeless in Franklin County NC, and opened many doors. I was invited by the Louisburg, NC town officials to participate in brainstorming and coming up with solutions to future of affordable housing and homelessness as part of a committee, I was glad to be able to provide my solutions for the affordable housing like if there are any tracts of lands that can be used and where they are, and trainings that must be provided for first time homebuyers, and providing pamphlets in different locations where the food pantries are, posting it so people are aware.. These solutions are being adopted by the Town of Louisburg, NC for the future as I step away for other initiatives. Kim Soden had a big hand in I being involved in making a change for a year, and opening pathways to solution in my county.
I look up to these four people — my early mentor, my Wake County supporter, my relationships with Kim Soden and my sister , Jyoti Singh— and above all, to my parents who stood by me through every step. Their faith shaped my journey, and their encouragement helped me become the artist, filmmaker, and cultural leader I am today.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Through every struggle, God held my hand when no one else could see the weight I carried.
a blessing appeared because God was stitching light into the darkest corners of my journey.
I see truth, beauty, and divinity in all religions,
in every teaching that guides the heart toward kindness.
This shining belief has shaped me, strengthened me,
and reminded me that the divine lives in many forms.
I never worked for recognition.
I never served for gain.
I simply did what was right, what was honest, what was pure.
And God, in return, gave me exactly what I deserved —
not more, not less, but perfectly timed blessings
that carried me to where I stand today.
Every time life shook beneath my feet,
God placed a blessing to steady my steps.
This journey is not mine alone —
it is guided, protected, and blessed.
My faith honors all religions,
for truth shines everywhere when the heart is open.
I lived with purity, served with honesty,
and expected nothing in return.
Yet God gave me everything I needed,
exactly when my spirit called for it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Through RVP Charitable Organization & Film Festivals
My journey — whether through RVP Charitable Organization, my film festivals, or my writing — has always been guided by one purpose: to help, to heal, and to elevate the human spirit.
I believe that service is the purest expression of gratitude.
What I do is not for recognition, reward, or gain — it is my offering back to the world, done with a full heart and without expectations. Everything I have built, from community programs to film platforms, is rooted in compassion and the desire to bring light where it is needed most.
Through RVP Charitable Organization
I learned that healing starts with simple acts — feeding the hungry, supporting families in crisis, empowering individuals quietly struggling. These are not grand gestures; they are human responsibilities. With RVP, the mission is clear:
Be present for people in need.
Serve with dignity.
Uplift without judgment.
Give even when no one is watching.
Every project, every donation, every outreach effort is voluntary — done because kindness is a duty, not a choice.
Through Film Festivals
My film festivals were created not to entertain, but to transform.
Film has the power to heal, educate, unite, and challenge. The festivals became more than events — they became platforms for empathy, bringing global stories to local communities and encouraging dialogue across cultures.
I believe art is medicine.
It can mend wounds we do not speak about, open hearts we thought were closed, and awaken truths we have forgotten. Through cinema, I hope to bridge divides, honor diversity, and celebrate voices that deserve to be heard.
Through Writing and Storytelling
My writing is the spiritual thread that ties my purpose together.
I write to reveal journeys of resilience, wellness, courage, and emotional truth. I write because stories can touch where hands cannot — they can reach the lost, comfort the hurting, and inspire those who feel unseen.
With each new story, I hope to:
Heal what is broken
Honor what is sacred
Inspire what is possible
And remind people that they matter
A Life of Service, Art, and Faith
All these paths — charity, film, storytelling — are voluntary, heart-led, and guided by faith. I walk with the belief that God places each opportunity for a reason, and that we are called to serve in the ways we are gifted.
My values are simple:
Help where you can
Heal where you’re able
Create where your heart pulls you
Give without expecting
Stay true, stay pure, stay grateful
This is the life I choose —
a life of service, a life of art, a life of writing, and a life of purpose.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Stillness. Peace. My family. My faith.
Everything else is temporary — but these are eternal.
Without identity or recognition, I would still carry the same heart:
a heart that seeks God,
a heart that finds peace in serving,
a heart that wants to help and heal wherever life places me.
If roles fell away, my purpose would not.
If possessions disappeared, my compassion would stay.
If the world forgot my name, God would still know my soul.
What remains is what has always been mine —
my connection to the divine,
my love for my family,
my belief in kindness,
and the quiet strength to keep giving, even when nothing is returned.
These are the things no one can take, no matter what I lose or leave behind.
They are the foundation of who I truly am —
a soul walking with God, grounded in service, guided by love.
My Father legacy stays on and in me as he was an artist – A singer and he was so down to earth and we lost him on Sept 1,, 2025.. This was the biggest loss for us. you can read about him here.
https://www.thefranklintimes.com/news.php?viewStory=54024
he opened us to music and from that came my writing of three songs for Sarees for my future album where we worked a team to develop two songs – Name of the Saree Album – Sarees living Globally with one song talking about Saree Globalism and futurism. This art of writing for songs I inherited from my father who is no longer with us but he was an inspiration who travelled from India (now in Pakistan) to India during partition. His legacy remains in me and my legacy is laid above. I dedicate a poem to my father and a film that we made for him is also included in the links.
A Poem written by me -On My Father’s Passing
The blowing winds remind you
of the person who has gone,
floating in the strong winds,
twirling and twisting around the home-
the home he cherished,
as a heavenly retreat,
With windows so large,
the sunrise rays swept through with grace,
lightning the abode with plenty morning shine,
with scattered afternoon amber marigold gleams.
While moonlights streams shine through,
as a joyous scene outside the windows of the many rooms,
As the lights turned off,
their sparking rays came through like silver streams,
changing the aura of darkness
in the living room of dreams.
There he sat on the chair,
viewing these picturesque realities,
his face filled with love
of the life he had led.
Has he gone?
The gushing winds bring him back
to step in one more time,
In the form of ashes,
to enjoy the days gone by.
Twirling and twisting in the winds,
He is playing the wind chimes sounds, bringing peace,
resting, and chilling in their song.
With the windstorms and windshield he rejoices,
In the zone of his homely scene,
The circle shaped wind wheels dancing to his tunes
as if they were ears and voice to his heart.
The heart now resides in the soul,
Traveling just once gently outside
in the serenity of the garden,
where plants and flowers are still blooming,
as he had always felt they would,
and as he had left them.
The soul is alive in the winds that pass by,
dancing in the garden
of the home he has once lived.
Breathing rains strike suddenly with thunderstorm,
and lightning touch the air and ground,
around the abode he once lived,
The ashes now leave, the rains silence
Life renewed as the soul retreats,
leaving behind memories,
of love, legacy and his dreams.
The Winds sweeps in and out and retreats,
but you hear him,
in the fading tinkling, clanking ,harmonious and musical sounds of wind chimes,
In the crows cawing meaning he is coming around just one last time,
In the rhythm of returning breeze
He comes around in and out, again and again, blowing in and out,
At different times, with final retreat, gone yet always near
He lives amongst us and will live on forever,
A part of us, A breath within our hearts.
I was blessed to be with him through most of his life,
his daily breath, his daily steps,
to feed him with my hands the last solid meal,
before his final earthly retreat.
Yes, he lives on within us, in every member of the family.
For each of us carries something from him,
a trait, a teaching, our features, our memories, a gift.
Yes, he lives on amongst us woven into who we are, forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5071174/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singh_gauri03/
- Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443686662609205/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gauri.singhpuri
- Yelp: https://www.thefranklintimes.com/news.php?viewStory=54024
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@princessofadventure4475/videos
- Other: https://greyareanews.com/news/local-nc/film-saree-suitcases-gauri-singh-usa/
https://diff-bt.com/blog/gauri-singh–interview
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443686662609205/
https://www.thefranklintimes.com/news.php?viewStory=54024
