Accomplished Indian film director Mira Nair is one the world’s premier storytellers.

Her films often cover powerful and controversial cultural stories which have successfully moved and inspired audiences for nearly three decades.

Nair’s dedication to telling ethnic stories on Hollywood’s global platform has been the focal point of her celebrated career.

“Life is short and you must use your time to speak what you want to say,” Nair said. “I also believe if we don’t tell our own story, no one will tell them.”

Mira Nair: Overcoming cultural barriers

Indian film director Mira Nair talks about overcoming cultural barriers through films.

She is perhaps best known for her international blockbusters Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, starring Denzel Washington, and The Namesake with Kal Penn. It’s probably safe to say that with the release of the new Disney film, Queen of Katwe, a drama based on a true story and featuring Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Nair will have yet another hit on her hands.

In addition to her captivating on-screen work, Mira is also an activist. She believes it’s important to create the kind of movies that can break down cultural barriers and she’s dedicated herself to a diverse range of causes, from promoting child wellness in India to supporting filmmakers in East Africa. Nair is also a faculty member at New York’s Columbia University.

Mira Nair joined Mike Walter in our New York studios to talk about using creativity to overcome cultural barriers.