Meet Meru Sharma: Reel Stories Program Manager

Meet Meru Sharma, BAVC Media’s newest team member and Reel Stories Program Manager. Meru is a South Asian filmmaker and educator from Mexico City, currently based in Oakland, CA. They have an MFA in Social Documentation from UC Santa Cruz and a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from DePauw University. As a Teaching Artist, Meru develops and leads media arts enrichment and after-school programming for youth in the Bay Area.

Their background in artist support includes work with the Sundance Institute’s Documentary Producers Program, where they contributed to the 2023 Feature Film Producers Lab and Summit as an intern. Their experience in program implementation includes serving as an Associate Producer with True StoriesSF, where they helped launch the Future Filmmakers program at Berkeley High School. Additionally, Meru has significant hands-on experience on independent film projects, spanning roles from Producer, Lead Editor, Assistant Editor, Colorist, and DIT to Script Supervisor and Production Assistant.

As a dedicated mentor, Meru is committed to bridging industry barriers and fostering impactful creative expression across the filmmaking landscape.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m a documentary filmmaker, program coordinator, and educator who is passionate about working on projects that create meaningful impact. Much of my work centers on supporting filmmakers and young people as they develop their creative ideas and build the technical skills needed to bring those ideas to life. My work spans filmmaking, artist support, and education. I feel most energized in environments where collaboration, curiosity, and experimentation are encouraged.

Outside of work, I enjoy photography, going to the movies, exploring places, and eating good food.

When did you first cross paths with BAVC Media and what about the organization’s mission and vision resonates with you?

I first came across BAVC Media when I was accepted into the TechSF Editors Training Program. At the time, I was looking to strengthen my post-production skill set, and I was fortunate to take adult filmmaking classes with instructors like Doug, Stanley, Jonathan, and David. Shout out to Vatsala and Diana who I took classes with later. They were some of the kindest and most knowledgeable teachers I’ve had. Their guidance truly helped prepare me to enter the filmmaking workforce.

That experience left a lasting impression on me. I continued seeking out opportunities to learn and grow through BAVC’s programs. Through meeting staff and fellow filmmakers, I saw firsthand how deeply this organization supports its creative community. What resonates most with me is the tangible impact BAVC has had over the past 50 years as a pillar for media makers. Nearly every conversation I’ve had about BAVC includes a story about how the organization supported someone’s creative or professional journey. That kind of lasting impact is something I deeply admire and hope to contribute to.

What are you most excited about in taking your new role?

I’m especially excited to work with girls and nonbinary youth. I’m passionate about uplifting their creative voices and helping them feel empowered to take up space in the media industry. When I first entered this field, it was sometimes difficult to find a sense of belonging, so being able to help young people see themselves reflected in this work and feel confident that their perspectives matter is something I’m very excited to support and cultivate.

What advice would you give a young person who has a story to tell but doesn’t know where to start?

Start by telling the story that feels meaningful to you, and allow yourself to create without putting too much pressure on the outcome. The process of making something can often lead to unexpected ideas and discoveries. You don’t need everything figured out before you begin. Try to enjoy the process, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for and offer support along the way. Collaboration can open new doors and help you develop your ideas in ways you might not expect.

What are 3 things that are currently bringing you joy?

Reading: I’ve been trying to replace some of my social media time with reading, and it genuinely feels like a little massage to the brain.

Cooking: I love food! One of my new year’s resolutions was to cook more and it feels especially meaningful when I get to share a meal with my loved ones.

Working with youth: When I first started working with young people, I felt a lot of responsibility because I take the role of being a trusted mentor very seriously. Over time, I’ve grown more confident in this role and I continue to feel inspired by young people’s creativity, honesty, and unique points of view.