Shivani Bajaj is an American actress and screenwriter based in Berlin, Germany. Since completing her studies in Camera Acting at Catalyst Creative Institute for Arts and Technology, she has starred in several short films, including Marco Bolla’s We’re Expecting., which she also co-wrote, and most recently, Weigh Ins directed by Juhani Teivas. 

With a technical background as an Industrial and Systems Engineer, Shivani is a filmmaker with a multifarious skill set. She speaks over four languages, having lived in Brazil, India, Belgium, and Germany (currently). Her unique ability to seamlessly integrate into any environment allows her to portray a myriad of human experiences.

As a screenwriter, Shivani enjoys writing stories that reflect authentic yet nuanced narratives and showcase relatable emotions through a diverse lens. She co-wrote the film FILTH(Y) with British director Mae Sass, which is set to film in early 2024. The story depicts the process of sexual recovery through the intersection of loss (specifically, the five stages of grief) and sexual violence. Currently, she is working on her first feature script, Barsi, which follows an Indian-American girl who reluctantly travels to India for a funeral ritual only to embrace the heritage she’s avoided her entire life.

Beyond the world of film, Shivani enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and self-exploration. She often ventures to various corners of the world and thrives on meaningful small talk with strangers. Although Shivani finds joy in fostering personal connections, she views filmmaking as her ultimate way of understanding and empathizing with others.