#Filmstagram: Jaspreet Kaur Dyora talks to us about her micro-drama Kisaani and the art of filmmaking on Instagram

In this interview, Jaspreet talks to us about her transition from a creator to a filmstagrammer, one who tells stories rooted in Punjab and beyond, using Instagram as her evolving storytelling platform!

Micro-dramas are the new wave of filmmaking, sparked by social media, the internet, and easy access to storytelling tools. As more creators enter this space, the shift feels natural, especially for those who’ve spent years mastering reels and short-form narratives. One such creator is Jaspreet Kaur Dyora, who brings a distinct Punjabi kudi charm to reels rooted in everyday life and lived experiences. If you’ve ever scrolled through Jaspreet’s profile, you’ll notice how effortlessly she taps into daily moments to create relatable content. While there’s no shortage of creators today who treat their phone camera like a best friend and talking to it as their birthright, the ones who truly stand out are those who make something resonant. That’s where Jaspreet found her voice, long before she stepped into micro-dramas.

Her shift to micro-dramas felt natural, yet ambitious. Storytelling had always been her armour but stretching a narrative across episodes - building emotional depth, sustaining momentum and keeping audiences hooked requires a different kind of craft. It’s an art form in itself, and one that Jaspreet pulled off with Kisaani, the first Punjabi micro-drama to emerge straight from Punjab. The series weaves together themes of dreams, debt and drama, offering a compelling narrative that  is connected to the mitti of Punjab. But how did she make this leap? What did the process look like? And how did she translate her personal Punjabi voice into a story that reflects Punjab itself? Jaspreet opens up about all of this and more in conversation with us.

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Check out what she had to say! 

You started with short, simple videos and now you’re creating full-fledged micro-dramas. When did the idea or the “bug” of turning small videos into episodic dramas first strike you?

Honestly, it never started as a “plan.” I began with very simple, almost casual videos - quick thoughts, moments, emotions. But somewhere along the way, I realised ek reel mein meri baat poori nahi hoti. One emotion needed context, then a backstory, then consequences. That’s when the “bug” hit me, when I felt stories spilling out of the frame. I wasn’t trying to make episodes; the story itself demanded continuity. And once you taste storytelling, there’s really no going back.

⁠How long does it usually take to build an entire micro-drama series? What does the scripting process look like from the first idea to the final video? And since the process mirrors filmmaking in many ways, would you describe yourself as a filmmaker?

A full micro-drama series usually takes weeks, sometimes even months, depending on the emotional depth. The process is very organic for me. It always starts with a feeling - loss, conflict, silence, love, injustice. Then I build characters around that emotion. I don’t write dialogues first; I write situations. Dialogues come naturally once the characters start breathing. And yes, the process mirrors filmmaking in many ways - scripting, casting (even if it’s just me), locations, mood, music, pacing, editing. Do I call myself a filmmaker? I think I’m becoming one. I respect the craft too much to label myself casually, but I’m definitely walking that path with sincerity.

You’re now creating an entire drama series with multiple episodes, but do you remember the moment you first decided to put yourself in front of the camera? What was that experience like? And from that moment to now, how would you describe your journey?

Very clearly. The first time I stood in front of the camera, it felt awkward, vulnerable, almost scary. You suddenly realise that log sirf content nahi, tumhe judge karenge. But over time, that fear slowly turned into freedom. From that first video to now, my journey has been about shedding layers, whether it’s insecurity, people-pleasing, or the fear of being misunderstood. Today, the camera feels like a witness, not a threat. It has seen me grow, break, heal, and rebuild, and that’s a beautiful relationship to have.

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With both your casual everyday videos and your scripted series, are you consciously trying to highlight Punjabi culture keeping the “Punjabi kudi” aesthetic alive while also moving beyond stereotypes toward a more genuine representation?

I’m doing that intentionally and consciously. I’m proud of being a Punjabi kudi that is rooted in strength, warmth, and loud love, they are a part of who I am. But I also know how often Punjabi women are reduced to stereotypes. Through my work, I try to show real Punjabi women - emotional, ambitious, flawed, soft, fierce, and vulnerable. Not just balle-balle, but also silence, pain, dignity, and resistance. Culture is not a costume; it’s a lived experience. That’s what I try to portray.

What are your thoughts on the growing Filmstagram community, especially the rise of micro-dramas and short-format storytelling? How do you see Instagram shaping the future of emerging filmmakers?

Filmstagram is honestly one of the most exciting spaces right now. Micro-dramas are giving power back to storytellers who may not have big budgets but definitely have big emotions. Instagram has broken the idea of gatekeeping. You don’t need permission anymore, just honesty, consistency, and courage. For emerging filmmakers, this platform isn’t “small” at all. It’s the new testing ground for cinema.

⁠Lastly, whose work inspires you? And what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers looking to use Instagram to amplify their own voices and stories?

I’m inspired by anyone who tells stories fearlessly, whether it’s a big filmmaker or a creator shooting alone on their phone. Emotion inspires me more than scale. My advice to others from whatever I have learned would be - don’t chase trends, chase truth, don’t wait for perfection, start with intent, use Instagram not for validation, but as a voice, and most importantly, apni kahani ko chhota mat samjho. If it moves you, it will move someone else too.