Kum-Kum Bhavnani

Kum-Kum Bhavnani is an American university professor, filmmaker, and author. As of 2018, she is a Professor of Sociology and Distinguished Professor with Feminist Studies and Global and International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she is Chair of the interdisciplinary program in Women, Culture, Development. She served as the Chair (2019–20) of the University of California Academic Senate.In 2006, Bhavnani premiered first feature-length, award-winning documentary, The Shape of Water, based on her research in Senegal, Brazil, India, and Jerusalem. It is narrated by Susan Sarandon. Bhavnani premiered Nothing Like Chocolate in 2012, and Lutah in 2014. Bhavnani is the founder and director of Mirror Hammer Films.