Director's Statement
The Serene Place (Where the Stars Poop) is a satire on the art of breaking into Hollywood. It’s a comedic take on the lengths immigrants and fresh grads will go to just to get their foot in the door. It’s about the hustle, the weird jobs, and the relentless desire to be seen in an industry that often feels like it’s designed to chew you up and spit you out. The story follows two characters: the dreamer and the gatekeeper. The dreamer is a fresh grad—an eager immigrant, ready to do anything to break into the studio world. The gatekeeper is a seasoned veteran who has been worn down by the system and thoroughly consumed by it, becoming one of its enforcers.
For many newcomers, studios are like holy shrines—we arrive with stars in our eyes, believing that once we’re inside, we’ve made it. But the reality is often very different. This film satirizes that disillusionment, showing the absurdity of the Hollywood hustle. Written during the writer’s strike, this film came to me at a time when I felt stuck in my career, trapped in a loop, and uncertain of what the next step would be. When I read the script, I felt an immediate connection—it felt like it had been written for me. As an Indian, female director, the opportunity to direct a comedy that reflected my own
experiences was a dream come true. We’re often stereotyped, pigeonholed into certain narratives or genres, but The Serene Place allowed me to break free. It gave me the chance to bring my own unique perspective to a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
My hope is that audiences will not only laugh but also reflect and recognize a part of themselves in these characters' journey.
Shriya Rana - Director
Shriya Rana is an award-winning writer and director based in Los Angeles. She has earned multiple accolades, including six directing awards for Ayesha (2021), which also garnered over 40 selections at top festivals. Ayesha was featured in the Best of India Shorts 2022 and the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2022, and won the "Audience Choice Award" at UCLAxFF 2021. Her films, such as TSPWTSP (2023), challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality.
Hailing from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, India, Shriya began her career as an engineer before discovering her passion for filmmaking. She moved to Los Angeles in 2017, where she studied at the New York Film Academy and UCLA. Her work has earned international recognition, including broadcasts in the UK and Ireland for International Women’s Day 2021. Shriya holds the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts and is a proud member of the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD). She is committed to creating films that inspire, challenge norms, and amplify diverse voices in cinema.
Director's Statement
The Serene Place (Where the Stars Poop) is a satire on the art of breaking into Hollywood. It’s a comedic take on the lengths immigrants and fresh grads will go to just to get their foot in the door. It’s about the hustle, the weird jobs, and the relentless desire to be seen in an industry that often feels like it’s designed to chew you up and spit you out. The story follows two characters: the dreamer and the gatekeeper. The dreamer is a fresh grad—an eager immigrant, ready to do anything to break into the studio world. The gatekeeper is a seasoned veteran who has been worn down by the system and thoroughly consumed by it, becoming one of its enforcers.
For many newcomers, studios are like holy shrines—we arrive with stars in our eyes, believing that once we’re inside, we’ve made it. But the reality is often very different. This film satirizes that disillusionment, showing the absurdity of the Hollywood hustle. Written during the writer’s strike, this film came to me at a time when I felt stuck in my career, trapped in a loop, and uncertain of what the next step would be. When I read the script, I felt an immediate connection—it felt like it had been written for me. As an Indian, female director, the opportunity to direct a comedy that reflected my own
experiences was a dream come true. We’re often stereotyped, pigeonholed into certain narratives or genres, but The Serene Place allowed me to break free. It gave me the chance to bring my own unique perspective to a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.
My hope is that audiences will not only laugh but also reflect and recognize a part of themselves in these characters' journey.
Shriya Rana - Director
Shriya Rana is an award-winning writer and director based in Los Angeles. She has earned multiple accolades, including six directing awards for Ayesha (2021), which also garnered over 40 selections at top festivals. Ayesha was featured in the Best of India Shorts 2022 and the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2022, and won the "Audience Choice Award" at UCLAxFF 2021. Her films, such as TSPWTSP (2023), challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality.
Hailing from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, India, Shriya began her career as an engineer before discovering her passion for filmmaking. She moved to Los Angeles in 2017, where she studied at the New York Film Academy and UCLA. Her work has earned international recognition, including broadcasts in the UK and Ireland for International Women’s Day 2021. Shriya holds the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts and is a proud member of the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD). She is committed to creating films that inspire, challenge norms, and amplify diverse voices in cinema.
