Former Somerset House Studios resident

Jayisha Patel

Award winning filmmaker using technology to create documentary and VR experiences.

Somerset House Studios
New Wing

Jayisha’s work embodies an intersectional female gaze and seeks to give a platform to women and in particular, women of colour fighting stereotypes, in bold and unconventional ways. Her most recent VR work Notes to My Father explores the relationship between a survivor of sex trafficking and her father, who played a direct role in her ordeal. Commissioned by Facebook’s VR studio, Oculus and launched during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, the film was cited by Documentary Magazine as ‘a fresh perspective on the cinematic point of view’.

Her linear documentary works have premiered at festivals including the Berlinale, Cannes and New York Film Festival, and her film Power Girls for Al Jazeera’s online digital platform, AJ+ amassed over 2 million views online. She has spoken on her work on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, The World Economic Forum India Summit and at the BFI, and was recently included in a Guardian feature on the future of storytelling.

Groundbreaking

VICE, on Notes To My Father

Whilst in residence, Jayisha will be developing her emotionally responsive work Fire in partnership with University College London. The piece will use artificial intelligence and participatory performance to explore the trauma of 5 women of colour.