Filmmaker Neha Lohia Shows How The Next Gen Of Eco-Friendly Movies Can Be Made

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – The glowing neon signs of Times Square typically broadcast the latest in commercial entertainment, but during the 2026 Earth Day celebrations, the screens reflected a more profound message of preservation and memory. In the heart of New York City, filmmaker Neha Lohia’s short film ‘Hello Dad’ was spotlighted not just for its narrative depth, but for its pioneering role in the movement toward sustainable filmmaking.

The event, produced by Rev. Paul Sladkus and the Good News Corporation, marked over two decades of environmental advocacy on one of the world’s most visible stages, this year paying tribute to the Jane Goodall Foundation.

Standing alongside lead cast members Tirlok Malik and Ankita Makwana, Lohia accepted recognition for a project that challenges the traditional, resource-heavy footprint of the film industry. The film was shot using solar-powered production gear and a philosophy of radical minimalism, proving that high-quality storytelling does not have to come at the cost of the environment. This commitment to the planet earned the project the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal, a prestigious mark of ecological responsibility.

For Lohia, the integration of environmental ethics into her craft is deeply rooted in her heritage. Speaking to the crowd in Times Square, she explained that in India, the Earth is revered as Dharti Maa, or the Mother who holds. She noted that it is a filmmaker’s conscious responsibility to be as weightless as possible on the land that sustains them. By aligning the technical process with the values of the story, Lohia suggests that the medium and the message should be equally intentional.

Beyond its technical innovations, the film serves as an intimate exploration of human connection and the weight of unspoken words. Lohia shared that the project was born from personal grief and serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of time. She urged the audience to reach out to loved ones and express their affection while they still can, emphasizing that the memories we leave behind should be the only things that remain heavy. This emotional core, paired with a “leave no trace” production style, creates a cinematic experience that honors both the human spirit and the physical world.

Lohia, is a New York-based filmmaker.