Journeys of the Imagination Exhibit Opening Reception

Oct 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm
University Library Exhibit Gallery

The University Library cordially invites you to the opening reception for our 2026-2027 Special Collections and Archives Exhibit, Journeys of the Imagination.

This exhibition explores the enduring human tradition of imagining and sharing journeys to fictional worlds. From ancient epics such as Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and The Odyssey to modern fantasy and science fiction, it examines how stories of imaginary places, peoples, and adventures help us understand ourselves and our world. The exhibition highlights the power of imagination to inspire creativity, foster connection and belonging, and encourage reflection on humanity, society, and the possibilities of better futures.

Meet acclaimed screenwriter and author Minoti Vaishnav for a moderated conversation about her screenwriting education at CSUN and her journey developing fantasy and short fiction works. Exhibit curators will also share insights into the inspiration and creation of the exhibit.

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Guest Speaker Minoti Vaishnav

Minoti Vaishnav is a short fiction author and a film, television, and audio series writer and producer. Her short story "To Catch a Ripper" was featured in the Sidewise Award-winning anthology, Tales from Alternate Earths: Vol 3 and is being adapted for a television pilot. Her sci-fi and fantasy short fiction pieces, "The Treasure in the Woods," "Red," "The Tear in the Air," and "Second Chance" have been published in print anthologies from Inklings Press, Red Penguin Books and Culture Cult Press. Growing up in Mumbai, India, Minoti spent her childhood watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer and penning murder mystery fiction. At age 19, Minoti left India and moved to Los Angeles to become a successful popstar. She was soon drawn back to her first love, writing, and shifted to investigative television writing and producing.  As a film and television writer, Minoti has written on The Equalizer and True Lies and has developed projects for NatGeo, Fox Entertainment Studios, Netflix, and WB Discovery. She currently works in the Fantasy department at PocketFM, writing video content for their shows, including My Vampire System, Princess Ebony, Strongest Warlock and First Legendary Beast Master, among other shows.

Minoti has a Bachelors degree in Cinema & Television Arts from California State University Northridge, and a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford. She is an alumna of the CBS/Paramount Writers Mentoring Program, CAPE Writers Fellowship, The Orchard Project Episodic Lab, The Orchard Project Homegrown Lab, Napa Valley StreamFest’s Big Pivot Fellowship and many more writing programs.

Co-Sponsored by the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication.

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Assistive Services

Requests for accommodation services (e.g. sign language interpreters or transcribers) must be made at least five (5) business days in advance. Please email library.event@csun.edu in advance of the event.