Jennifer Alphonse is an Indian filmmaker, visual storyteller, and author whose work transcends genres and geographies. Her powerful body of work spans commercial advertisements, music videos, corporate films, socially driven PSAs, short features, and internationally awarded documentaries. Known for her distinctive cinematic style and deeply human narratives, she is widely respected both in India and abroad for her creative integrity and commitment to storytelling.

An MBA graduate, Jennifer refined her cinematic sensibilities through the prestigious Film Appreciation Course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Her stories often center around voices on the margins—narratives that are familiar yet told with refreshing originality.

She made history as the first Asian female filmmaker to shoot a feature film in Afghanistan. Her film Habeeb. Due to unforeseen political developments, the footage from her film Habeeb had to be reimagined and transformed into a beautifully emotional narrative song, preserving the spirit of the story in a new artistic format. It’s a testament to her courage and determination to explore complex and underrepresented stories.

Jennifer’s debut short fiction film won three Golden Nandi State Awards for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Child Actor, along with several international accolades. Her second short film Strangers was featured at the Cannes Short Film Corner and earned over 17 international awards. Her documentary The Take Over, examining the digital evolution of Indian cinema, won the Royal Reel Award at the Canada International Film Festival and was also showcased at Cannes.

Her passion for cultural preservation has led her to document ancient tribal practices and endangered traditions. This commitment has taken shape not only through film but also in print. Jennifer is the author of two acclaimed coffee table books:

• "Gussadi – Celebration of Being God!" – a visual and narrative tribute to the sacred traditions of the Gond tribes.

• "Nagoba Jatara" – a vibrant documentation of one of India’s oldest tribal festivals.

These books, the first of their kind in India, are more than art publications—they are cultural artifacts. The proceeds from their sales are directed back to the tribal communities, supporting the preservation of their heritage.

Her documentary films on these tribes have been screened at international film festivals and continue to be recognized for their authenticity and depth. Jennifer’s work has also taken her beyond India, into Africa and other regions, where she continues to seek out and share the untold stories of indigenous people.

In 2024, Jennifer represented India as a delegate for the prestigious IVLP (International Visitors Leadership Program) hosted by the U.S. State Department. Alongside leaders from across the Asia-Pacific, she participated in dialogues focused on Human and Civil Rights for Marginalized Communities, further cementing her role as an advocate for social justice through the arts.

Jennifer Alphonse is not just a filmmaker—she is a cultural custodian, a fearless storyteller, and a bridge between the forgotten past and an awakened present.