In a move that has taken the digital space by storm, travel and lifestyle creator Larissa D’Sa has gone from Instagram reels to the big screen, and TheGlitz is here to give you the inside scoop! Known for her beautifully curated travel content, Larissa has just released her first short film, Beyond Borders and Banter, marking a significant leap in her journey as a creator. No longer confined to the small screen, Larissa’s cinematic debut showcases her travels to Kolkata during the iconic Durga Puja festival, offering viewers a richer, more immersive narrative than ever before.
Larissa D’Sa – From Reels to Real Feels
After hopping across countless destinations, documenting her journeys in bite-sized clips, Larissa decided it was time for something more epic. Cue her short film premiere on 22nd September, where she showcased her adventures during Kolkata’s iconic Durga Puja festival. This isn’t just a leap—it’s a high-flying somersault from social media to the big screen. With this film, she’s taken her storytelling to an entirely new level, creating a deeply immersive narrative that’s more than just about views and likes. It’s about feeling the place, and trust me, you’ll feel every bit of it.
Durga Puja Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Set against the backdrop of Kolkata during Durga Puja—think electrifying lights, larger-than-life idols, and enough energy to power a thousand reels—Beyond Borders and Banter offers viewers a cinematic deep dive into the festival’s heart and soul. Larissa doesn’t just capture Kolkata from a tourist’s perspective; she lives it. Draped in a traditional saree, indulging in street food that’ll make your mouth water through the screen, and connecting with local artisans—she’s practically Kolkata’s adopted daughter by the end of it.
And if you’ve ever wondered about the real magic behind those majestic Durga idols, Larissa takes you backstage. You get to see the artisans, the hands that shape and mold these divine creations, offering a rare, intimate look at the festival’s sacred process. All the while, the film pulses with the vibrant sights and sounds of a city that truly comes alive during Durga Puja.
A Cinematic Ode to Kolkata
This isn’t just travel content—it’s an immersive experience. Larissa’s film invites audiences into the bustling streets, the rhythmic beats of the dhols, the spiritual energy of the celebrations, and the unmatched warmth of Kolkata’s people. She paints Kolkata in a way that’s both personal and universal, making you feel like you’re not just watching the festival—you’re part of it.
Reflecting on her cinematic leap, Larissa shared: “Travel has always been about more than just ticking off destinations. It’s about growth, about discovering new cultures, and about understanding myself. My trip to Kolkata during Durga Puja was nothing short of magical, and through this film, I hope to bring the audience into the heart of that magic. The sights, the sounds, the food—it all stays with you long after the event is over. That’s what I wanted to capture—the feeling that the experience never really ends.”
A Premiere with a Kolkata Twist
Of course, a film this special deserves an equally unforgettable premiere. Held at the Veda Kunba Theatre in Mumbai on 22nd September, the event was a love letter to Kolkata. Guests were greeted with mogra bracelets, a traditional tikka, and—because what’s a Kolkata experience without street food?—a jhal-muri vendor to kick things off. As a cherry on top, attendees left with a little souvenir, a token of appreciation from Larissa herself, because if anyone knows how to make people feel special, it’s her.
A Journey Beyond Borders, and Beyond Banter
With Beyond Borders and Banter, Larissa D’Sa has proven that she’s not just a creator; she’s a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and now, a filmmaker. This short film is a testament to her ability to take the familiar (travel content) and make it extraordinary, offering an experience that will linger long after the credits roll.
So, grab your popcorn (or perhaps a plate of jhal-muri), and get ready for Larissa’s journey through Kolkata. This isn’t just a film; it’s an invitation to experience Durga Puja—and Kolkata—like never before.
Larissa D’Sa
Larissa is one of India’s top travel and lifestyle creators with expertise in Film production, Travel, Designing and more. Through the years, Larissa has represented India through multi-genre brand associations with Tourism boards, Luxurious properties, Travel platforms and more. She has also been a National Geographic’s travel series host, a TV presenter with TravelXP, a GoPro brand ambassador, an Entrepreneur with her brand- ‘Beyond Larissa’ and been awarded the ‘Cosmopolitan Travel Influencer Of The Year’ in 2021 and 2022.
