By: Jaxon Lee

As of late 2025, the independent film landscape is witnessing a unique rhythmic shift, led by Brisbane-based filmmaker Anmol Mishra. His latest feature, Romancing Sydney, has become a focal point of discussion across global film festivals, from Sydney to Berlin to Chennai, for its bold integration of Bollywood-inspired dance into a modern Australian narrative. By day, a software engineer and by night a creative visionary, Mishra has spent over a decade perfecting a style that uses movement as a primary language.

Through his production house, Prosya, Mishra has brought together a diverse cast, including veteran stars Peter Hayes and Gabrielle Chan, alongside debut performers like professional ballet dancer Connor Dowling. Today, we dive into the creative mind behind this “dance-fueled love letter to Sydney” to discuss the mechanics of cultural fusion, the challenges of independent production, and the future of global storytelling.

Q. Your film Romancing Sydney has been described as a “love letter” to the city, but it uses a very specific “Bollywood-inspired” rhythmic language. How do you balance these two very different cultural energies?

Anmol Mishra: It’s about recognizing that while the “heart” of a story is universal, the “rhythm” changes depending on the culture. I wanted to capture the iconic energy of Sydney, its parks, its harbor, its urban pulse, and filter it through the expressive lens of Indian cinema. In Bollywood, dance isn’t just a spectacle; it’s a window into the character’s soul. By using salsa, ballroom, and waltz to express the unspoken emotions of characters in a Western setting, we created a bridge that resonates with both Australian and Indian audiences.

Q. You took a significant risk by releasing a trailer with no dialogue, focusing entirely on music and dance. What made you trust the visuals to tell the story alone?

Anmol Mishra: Movement is often more honest than speech. I believe that in our saturated digital world, audiences are craving pure, intuitive experiences. The trailer was meant to capture the Rasa, the essence of the film’s three central romances. Whether it’s the naive charm of Sachin or the internal conflict of Zac and Alex, the dance sequences communicate those feelings instantly. If the audience can feel the chemistry through a waltz or a contemporary piece, they don’t need a line of dialogue to tell them what’s happening.

Q. You wear many hats, director, producer, editor, and even supporting actor. How does your production house, Prosya, manage the logistical hurdles of independent filmmaking in 2025?

Anmol Mishra: It requires a “scrappy” mentality and a lot of technical innovation. I actually built my own custom rigs, cranes, and even a circular camera track out of a rubber air hose for the filming in Hyde Park. Being independent means I don’t have the luxury of endless budgets, so I substitute capital with creativity. Running Prosya out of Sydney when I was filming Romancing Sydney allowed me to tap into a fantastic local talent pool while maintaining the flexibility to experiment. I am not just making a movie; I’m building a specialized workflow that allows high-value visual storytelling to happen on an indie scale.

Q. Working with a cast that includes veterans like Peter Hayes and Gabrielle Chan alongside newcomers like Connor Dowling must be a unique challenge. What is your philosophy for directing such a diverse group?

Anmol Mishra: My role is to be the “anchor” for their different energies. Veterans like Peter and Gabrielle bring an incredible stillness and authenticity to the set; they know exactly how to hold the frame. On the other hand, someone like Connor, who is a world-class ballet dancer, brings a raw, physical vulnerability. My philosophy is to create a space where they can learn from each other, where the veteran’s technique meets the newcomer’s instinct. We spent a lot of time in rehearsals, not just on lines, but on finding the emotional “beat” of every scene.

Q. With Romancing Sydney now streaming on major platforms, what is next for you and Prosya?

Anmol Mishra: The success of this film has proven that there is a global appetite for “culturally fused” stories. Looking forward, I want to keep pushing the boundaries of genre. I’m interested in exploring how my rhythmic style could apply to more intense narratives, perhaps a psychological thriller or a gritty drama. The goal for Prosya is to continue being a bridge, showcasing diverse talent and unique structures that spark global conversations. We want to keep the world dancing, one story at a time.

Romancing Sydney is available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies.