School of Arts & Media
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is now 100K alumni strong. We spoke with some of our alumni who are making the world a better place. Here are their stories.
A shared passion
In Mohini’s childhood home, Saturdays were marked by a ritual trip to the local video rental store. It was here, among the rows of films, that her family found a shared passion. Guided by her father, Mohini was introduced to foreign films from a tender age, igniting a lifelong love affair with the art of storytelling through film. Together, they immersed themselves in stories from across the globe, followed by passionate discussions of critique and analysis.Ěý
Describing herself as a “massive film buff” with an equal affection for literature, Mohini’s fascination with narratives knew no bounds. When it came time to pursue higher education, UNSW, conveniently located across the road from where the movie rental store once stood, seemed like a natural fit. With its offering of a film studies stream as a minor and a diverse array of general education courses, it seemed the perfect fit for Mohini's multifaceted interests.
School
Degrees
Bachelor of Media (Media Production) 2012
Current Title
Writer, Director and Designer
Honing her skills
“While I initially told my parents I was destined for journalism, my heart always gravitated towards film,” Mohini confesses. The Bachelor of Media program at UNSW provided her with a versatile skill set tailored to the demands of the media landscape.
“Once you grasp the basics of software, adapting to different programs becomes second nature.”
As she delved deeper into her studies, Mohini discovered her affinity for animation during a pivotal third-year class. Exploring stop motion, she honed her talents in prop and set design – a revelation that culminated in an internship assisting on a stop-motion set, a moment she describes as the catalyst for her journey.
Yet, it wasn't until she entered the industry that Mohini fully grasped the extent of her capabilities. Shocked by her strong pitching skills and natural navigation of software Mohini explains, “It surprised me, to know that people didn’t have such a good general across the board understanding as I did.”
It was this realisation that helped her understand just how she could use her degree to further her career as a storyteller.
Grace Tan, Neilesh Verma and Mohini Herse on set during filming. Photography by Felipe Neves
Championing marginalised voices
In her first role as creator and producer on the show Appetite, Mohini made it her mission to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and foster community engagement. The show tells a poignant story about the struggles of the gig economy, particularly focusing on delivery cyclists navigating the challenges post-COVID-19. Mohini sheds light on what she refers to as “post-essential” work, exploring the hardships faced by individuals in this sector.
Appetite earned recognition when it was selected for SBS's Digital Originals program, which celebrates minority voices in Australian television. During the pitch process, Mohini took a bold step by inviting delivery cyclists to join her, emphasising the importance of representing those directly affected by the narrative. She intentionally assembled a team of individuals who had worked tirelessly in the industry and deserved a chance to shine.
The production of Appetite took place at UNSW Kensington over three days, providing an opportunity for current media and communications students to intern and gain hands-on experience. Mohini firmly believes in the adage that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Since Appetite, Mohini has been filming her first long-form series, Four Year Later, set to be released in 2024. Commissioned by SBS in association with Screen NSW and ITV Studios, the series will span eight thirty-minute episodes, filmed across two countries and follows the love story of Sridevi and Yash, who have to endure four years apart right after their wedding when Yash lands a medical traineeship in Australia.
Looking ahead, Mohini is focused on securing more long-form credits as a writer or director, or possibly both, further cementing her position as a storyteller dedicated to driving positive change through her work.
Adapting to the evolution
As Mohini progresses in her career she finds herself navigating a landscape constantly reshaped by technological advancements. During her studies, she witnessed the emergence of virtual reality technology, social media platforms, and the iPad, prompting her to cultivate a sense of adaptability and embrace the evolving nature of storytelling.
Collaborating with Hannah Lehman to direct Australia's first Instagram series, Mohini recognised the importance of leveraging the strengths of new media formats. Reflecting on her experience, she remarks, "I had to develop transferable skill sets. All in all, it boils down to telling a story. I always try to ask how are we going to tell the story in a new way that will service the new media format?”
Mohini considers herself fortunate to have entered the industry during a time of innovative filmmaking. She acknowledges the current golden age of streaming platforms, which have opened doors for filmmakers to break into the industry through untraditional avenues such as web series and TikTok. Gone are the days when the only pathway into the industry was through exclusive film festivals.
“We’ve entered a golden age of streaming where filmmakers can come up in the industry in untraditional ways – web series and TikTok.”
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Mohini Herse on set of Apetite, photo by Felipe Neves
Despite new challenges in the industry, she is optimistic about the future of Australian filmmaking. She highlights the increasing funding and efforts by organisations like Screen Australia to address accessibility issues within the industry.
When asked about the use of AI and the writers strikes in the US, Mohini believes there are “definite teething issues” but she remains optimistic. Having spent years honing her craft, she worries that relying on AI tools may diminish the individuality and introspective nature of her work. She emphasises the enduring appeal of complex and nuanced human stories, citing shows like Succession as evidence that audiences still crave depth and authenticity in storytelling.
Advice for students
Mohini advises aspiring filmmakers to cultivate meaningful relationships with fellow creatives who share their passion and authenticity. In a rapidly evolving industry where new creative roles emerge constantly, she encourages current and prospective students to embrace experimentation across various mediums, forms, skills, and programs available to them.
“Everyone gets somewhere eventually, it’s not just one in a group who makes it, it’s everyone. You grow together. It is that community which will keep you going.“
Celebrating 100K Alumni
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture alumni like Mohini.
Learn about the evolution of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and meet the UNSW ADA Alumni who are making the world a better place.Ěý