Simran Sawhney is a cinematographer gaining visibility across international festival circuits. Her previous work includes the short film Knock, which has screened at festivals such as the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, Kosice, Sweden Film Awards, Pune Short Film Festival, Venice Shorts, and several Indian selections, including New Delhi and Jaipur. Her work on the Patricas’ has also been recognised by the NATAS Production Awards and the Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival. A recipient of Amazon’s Innovation Storytelling Grant, Sawhney recently shot Behind the Mask, which screened at AFI FEST 2025.

At AFI FEST 2025, Behind the Mask drew attention for its clear, unforced visual tone. The lighting became a talking point during the post-screening discussion, where the moderator remarked that it was the best rehearsal lighting he had seen in recent years: a reflection of how closely the images aligned with the emotional temperature of the performances.