Lights, Lens & Laurels: An Interview with Siddharth Agarwal, Globally Acclaimed Director of Photography and Producer

INTERVIEW

Interviewer:

Siddharth, as Director of Photography and Producer, your work on the psychological horror short Exsanguination was awarded Best Production at the International Film & Entertainment Festival of Australia, with the jury highlighting your storytelling and technical finesse. What inspired you to explore this genre, and what were your main considerations in developing a film recognized by such esteemed industry figures?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Working on Exsanguination as both Director of Photography and Producer was a deeply fulfilling experience. I’ve always been drawn to psychological horror because it allows for a nuanced exploration of fear - not through spectacle, but through atmosphere, emotion, and internal conflict. With this film, I wanted to create a visual language that mirrored the protagonist’s mental unraveling, using light, shadow, and composition to build a tense, immersive world.

As a producer, my focus was on ensuring that every creative and logistical decision supported that vision - from assembling the right team to maintaining a cohesive tone across all departments. The recognition from IFEFA, particularly for Best Production, was a tremendous honor. It validated the care we put into both the storytelling and the technical execution, and it reinforced my belief that horror can be a powerful lens for emotional storytelling when approached with precision and intent.

Interviewer:

Your achievements with Exsanguination extended to the LA International Film Festival and nominations in multiple categories at the Prison City Film Festival in Texas, while also being a semi-finalist at the Palermo International Film Festival. How do these selections at renowned festivals shape your perspective as a filmmaker representing Indian talent internationally?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Being recognized at festivals like the LA International Film Festival, Prison City, and Palermo has been incredibly encouraging, not just personally, but as a filmmaker representing Indian talent on international platforms. These selections reaffirm that storytelling rooted in emotional truth and crafted with care can transcend borders, language, and genre.

Coming from India and working in the U.S., I’ve always carried a dual perspective - one shaped by my cultural roots and the other by global cinematic language. Exsanguination was made to tell a story with honesty and depth, so to see it resonate across such diverse audiences has strengthened my belief in the universality of good storytelling.

It also motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, both creatively and culturally, and to continue representing the richness and versatility of Indian filmmakers on the world stage.

Interviewer:

Beyond narrative shorts, your project They/Them, where you were also Producer and Editor, was honored at the One-Reeler Film Festival, California Women’s Film Festival, and again at Palermo. How did fulfilling multiple roles in award-winning projects expand your skillset and creative process?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Taking on multiple roles in They/Them, as Producer and Editor, was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It gave me a holistic view of the filmmaking process, allowing me to be involved from development all the way through post-production. Each role informed the other: producing taught me how to anticipate and solve creative and logistical challenges on set, while editing gave me a deeper understanding of pacing, performance, and the emotional arc of the story.

Being recognized at festivals like One-Reeler, the California Women’s Film Festival, and Palermo reinforced that this kind of multi-dimensional involvement can elevate the final product. It also sharpened my instincts, knowing how something will cut together while we’re still shooting, or how to build a schedule that allows creative freedom without compromising efficiency.

Ultimately, juggling these responsibilities expanded my ability to lead with both creative vision and technical precision, which has become a core strength in all my projects moving forward.

Interviewer:

You’ve also received accolades for Between the Lines (Honorable Mention at the Los Angeles Movie Awards) and at festivals like Thilsri, Makizhmithran, and Rohip International. What do these varied international recognitions mean for your creative vision and approach to cinematography?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Being recognized for Between the Lines and at festivals like Thilsri, Makizhmithran, and Rohip International has been incredibly encouraging. It’s a reminder that visual storytelling can resonate across cultures when rooted in emotional truth.

As a cinematographer, superior image quality is always a top priority - not just technically, but in how it enhances the story. These recognitions have pushed me to be more intentional with every frame and to keep refining my craft while staying emotionally grounded in each project.

Interviewer:

Your technical proficiency is grounded in advanced training with industry veterans in optics, Steadicam operation, and lighting, which has been credited as a foundation for your festival successes. How has this technical background directly impacted your ability to deliver award-winning work across different formats?

Siddharth Agarwal:

My technical foundation was built during my MFA in Cinematography at the New York Film Academy, where I had the privilege of training under Anthony B. Richmond, ASC, BSC. His mentorship, along with hands-on experience in optics, Steadicam, and advanced lighting, shaped the way I approach every project - whether it's a tightly framed psychological horror or a more grounded drama.

That training gave me the tools to not only execute complex visual ideas but also to adapt them across formats and genres. It’s allowed me to work efficiently under pressure, collaborate fluently with directors, and make choices that are both technically sound and emotionally resonant. I believe that this balance of craft and creativity has been key to the recognition my work has received on the festival circuit.

Interviewer:

You’ve collaborated with leading production companies such as Mrunal Mestri Productions and worked on commercial campaigns for brands like Adidas, Sephora, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., and Leela Palace Hotels. How do you balance creative ambitions with the demands of high-profile commercial clients given your experience in both sectors?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Working with brands like Adidas, Sephora, and Leela Palace Hotels has taught me how to align creative ambition with clear client goals. My narrative background helps bring a storytelling edge to commercial projects, while the discipline and precision of commercial work sharpen my approach to film. Balancing both keeps me versatile and focused on delivering work that’s both visually impactful and purpose-driven.

Interviewer:

Mentorship and cross-cultural collaboration are notable aspects of your career, with your films often being featured at festivals championing creative exchange, like the California Women’s Film Festival. How important is mentorship to you in advancing Indian cinema on the world stage?

Siddharth Agarwal:

Mentorship has been key in shaping my growth, especially under guidance from mentors like Anthony B. Richmond, ASC, BSC and Jacek Laskus ASC, PSC. It’s helped me navigate cross-cultural storytelling and approach filmmaking with both skill and perspective.

Festivals like the California Women’s Film Festival highlight how Indian voices can thrive on global platforms. I believe mentorship is vital to that - it empowers the next generation to tell authentic stories that resonate beyond borders and push Indian cinema forward internationally.

Interviewer:

As someone regarded as a cultural ambassador for Indian cinema, with your films gaining significant international traction, what vision do you have for the future of Indian filmmakers and their presence in global cinema?

Siddharth Agarwal:

I envision a future where Indian filmmakers are not only celebrated for our rich storytelling traditions, but also recognized as global voices shaping contemporary cinema across genres and formats. We’re already seeing a shift - Indian talent is stepping beyond conventional boundaries and bringing deeply personal, diverse stories to international platforms.

My goal is to contribute to that momentum by creating work that is rooted in authenticity but speaks a universal language. I believe the future lies in bold, cross-cultural storytelling - where Indian cinema isn’t defined by a single style, but by its ability to connect emotionally, visually, and globally.

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