When I first encountered an enthusiastic Indian filmmaker eager to promote her two productions, I was perplexed. One of her projects revolved around the killing of rats in India — a theme I initially dismissed. However, the vibrant energy and determination behind the project couldn’t be ignored. That filmmaker was none other than Alka Bhanot, founder of “Indie Meme.”

Fast forward a decade, and Indie Meme has transformed into a cornerstone of Austin’s film scene. With her co-founder, Tripti Bhatnagar, they have cultivated the company into an iconic presence. Today, it’s a joy to hear Alka’s voice over the radio or to reminisce about our shared experiences and how our paths intertwined.

Revisiting Memories

Alka and I have grown close over the years. Our bond deepened during the 10th anniversary of Indie Meme, where I served as a juror for the documentary category at their film festival. To see her children, whom I remember as youngsters, now nearly grown, was both nostalgic and surprising.

Reflecting on the past, I recall the article I penned about a decade ago when Alka’s journey was just beginning.

The Original Article

I first crossed paths with Alka in September 2013, when she became a member of the Austin Documentary Fans. She was gearing up for a major screening of “The Rat Race” and “Timbaktu.” With her proactive approach, she collaborated with us to promote her event. Subsequently, we convened at a cozy North Indian restaurant in North Austin. Our conversations ranged from film to shared interests, and I realized how vital Alka’s contribution was to the Austin film scene.

Conversations with Alka: A Q&A Session

1. Can you share your background?

I grew up in New Delhi and Mumbai, India. I studied Economics, followed by Mass Communications. My passion for media led me to abandon an MBA pursuit. I spent a decade in Mumbai’s television industry before relocating to the US.

2. How did your television career unfold?

I began as a production assistant for corporate films, advancing to Assistant Director for TV shows. Eventually, I produced PSA films and later worked as an Executive Producer for several shows. My career spanned a vast range of genres, from talk shows to children’s programming. Moving from Mumbai’s vibrant scene to Austin in 2001 was a culture shock.

3. Why Austin, and how has your experience been here?

I moved to Austin after marrying my husband who resided here. The initial years were challenging without the right job fit. But eventually, I collaborated with talented Austin filmmakers and contributed to various independent films. I even worked on a PBS-aired animation series based on books by Austin author Trevor Romain.

4. What inspired “Indie Meme”? What’s the vision for its future?

After taking a break post-childbirth, I felt the urge to reconnect with the film industry. Indie Meme’s objective is to showcase Indian films to the US audience and vice versa. Starting it was challenging, but I found support from my partner Anjalika Sharma. Our chief obstacle is audience reach, but I’m confident of building a committed viewer base. In 5 years, I envision Indie Meme as a prominent indie film distribution entity.

5. Can you list some memorable Indie Meme events?

We began with “Girl Rising” in 2013, followed by “Gandhi” and others like “I AM” and “Ship Of Theseus.” Our 2014 lineup was exciting, especially with Tripti joining the team.

6. How did you discover  Austin Documentary Fans? Any feedback?

Anjalika introduced me to ADF, which was a fantastic platform for documentary enthusiasts. I’ve attended remarkable screenings like “Act of Killing” and “Herman’s House,” and I appreciate the support ADF (AKA: Reel Doc Fans)  offers to such impactful films.

Alka Bhanot’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of dreamers and creators. Through Indie Meme, she has not only celebrated cinema but also bridged cultures, demonstrating the universal language of film.