Janani Vaidyanathan | Online Festival Manager
Janani Vaidyanathan is a photographer, graphic designer, and singer/songwriter in Orlando, Florida. She has been a freelance photographer for over eight years, with experience in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom as well. Janani has received multiple certifications in Photography and Graphic Design through Michigan State University and CalArts. She enjoys photographing many local models, actors, writers, and musicians and has had the pleasure of working with clients such as Tim Russ and Michael Winslow. Her photography specialties include acting headshots and lifestyle portraits, in addition to modeling portfolio work. Janani’s graphic design work has included designs for films such as Legacy of Love, Hit Women, Empath, and Don’t Shoot The Messenger.
During Janani’s time as a frontwoman for the band, JANANI, they released the hit single, Run (Pick Up The Gun). The single won the Akademia award for Best Alternative Rock Song in 2015. Janani Vaidyanathan co-wrote Run (Pick Up The Gun)'s music video alongside award-winning writer and CFF founder, Ranelle Golden. The music video won many awards including Best Music Video in Silver Screen International Film Festival. Her music has also been featured in DIRECTTV's documentary, Gone Until December, and numerous local short films and TV show pilots. Janani has been an ambassador of Hard Rock Energy, toured extensively for 10 years as a frontwoman, written two full-length albums, and has been heard on radio stations such as CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa, Canada, KISS 104.7 FM in Pheonix, Arizona, KALX 90.7 FM in California, TD1 Radio in Scotland, and Orlando’s own XL 106.7 FM and WPRK 94.5 FM.
When Janani is not working on photography, graphic design, or songwriting, she works as a set designer and prop master. Janani’s film credits include, Don’t Shoot The Messenger, Empath, Transcend (Finalist for Best Trailer - Changing Face International Film Festival November 2018), Harvey, and Legacy of Love (Winner of Best Trailer in Los Angeles Film Fest Super Indie 2021). Beyond behind the scenes work, Janani Vaidyanathan has experience as an actress in numerous musicals and plays, including her supporting role as Mama Euralie in Once on This Island in 2006 and her starring role as Maria in The Sound of Music in 2007.
Janani considers herself a “jack of all trades”, with a multitude of knowledge in many different creative industries. She plans to continue cultivating her knowledge in numerous creative fields to enhance her capabilities and perfect her craft. Janani is excited to be working with Cosmic Film Festival and hopes to help facilitate an environment where audiences and indie filmmakers alike can experience new and creative media works.