Ishana Shyamalan, a 22-year-old filmmaker and the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, is stepping into the directing arena with her first feature project, according to industry sources. She is set to bring to life a horror drama adapted from the Irish author AM Schein’s novel The Watchers.
The story centers on Mina, a 28-year-old artist who vanishes into a secluded woodland. After seeking shelter in a forest hut, she becomes trapped along with three strangers. Each night, ominous creatures watch from the shadows, heightening the sense of dread and confinement.
The project marks a collaborative venture with Ishana M. Night Shyamalan at the helm and a production role attributed to her father, the acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. The film premiered in mid-2024, drawing significant attention from audiences and industry observers curious about the new voice in his cinematic universe.
Before directing a feature, Ishana explored television, contributing as a director and writer. She joined the crew on a season of her father’s enigmatic series, a project produced for streaming platforms, where the collaboration offered a glimpse into her evolving storytelling approach and visual sensibilities.
In addition to her directing work, Ishana served on set in a supporting capacity on a separate project, broadening her experience behind the camera and further enriching her understanding of production dynamics, pacing, and on-set collaboration.