In the vibrant landscape of contemporary filmmaking, only a few artists stand out quite like Riya Agarwal. A multifaceted talent—writer, director, producer, and sound mixer—Riya’s journey from Kolkata to the global film scene is a compelling narrative of creativity, resilience, and a profound connection to her roots, particularly in Goa.
Early Life: Seeds of Creativity
Born and raised in Kolkata, Riya was drawn to the visual arts early on. Her childhood was filled with creative pursuits, but a significant shift occurred when she moved to a boarding school in Bangalore. “I grew a lot more reserved as a person there, not being able to explore different avenues, but eventually I found my way out of it, through film,” she recalls, describing her struggle to find a creative outlet. This internal conflict eventually sparked her passion for filmmaking—by being a rebellious soul against the confines of her environment.
A pivotal moment in her artistic awakening came when she watched Fight Club. The film resonated deeply with her, igniting a newfound desire to explore storytelling through film. “It was therapeutic for me,” she reflects, highlighting how it led her to explore art and film therapy, opening her up to new ideas and experiences.
Building an Individualistic Film Career
Riya’s professional journey took off when she ventured into the bustling world of Bollywood. As she worked alongside renowned filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap who had been highly amazed by Riya’s irrepressible yet delightful personality and presented her with the opportunity to apprentice alongside him in Mumbai, on Bombay Velvet and as an Assistant Director on Raman Raghav 2.0—which received acclaim at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight 2016—she honed her skills in a challenging industry. These experiences not only enhanced her technical abilities but also shaped her artistic vision.
After this, she worked with Nandita Das on Manto (Cannes Un Certain Regard 2018) and with Oscar-nominated director Ashwin Kumar on No Fathers in Kashmir. Riya spent about two years in the Bollywood industry. Following her time in India, Riya reverted to her education, pursuing an MFA in Film Production from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Here, she thrived under the mentorship of industry giants, including Spike Lee, Todd Solondz, and Carol Dysinger, who played pivotal roles in shaping her artistic voice.
Solondz has observed that “Riya’s storytelling is captivating and refreshingly honest”, praising Riya’s growth as a writer over the six years he has known her. Dysinger highlights that Riya has a “knack for exploring intimate and human connections”, and revealing the subtle fractures in relationships and society that often go unnoticed.
Initially reluctant about sound mixing, Riya found her passion for it through practical experience, leading to notable projects showcased at film festivals like Tribeca Film Festival and South By Southwest (SXSW).
Goa: A Second Home
Riya’s bond with Goa is a cornerstone of her artistic identity. Having spent countless childhood vacations here due to her family’s business, it is nothing less of a second home to Riya. The coastal paradise serves as both inspiration and a creative retreat. “The ocean is integral to my work,” she explains, often weaving elements of the sea into her narratives. Her documentary about fishing in Goa titled Go Fish has been screened in film festivals globally and has received international acclaim and awards, including receiving an Honorable Mention at the INFLUX Film Awards, which has been a leading independent entertainment magazine since 1997. Most recently, it was selected by our own Goa Short Film Festival.
“Goa has so many stories waiting to be told, and the people here are incredibly lovely, which is all the more reason to be inspired by them,” Riya affirms, expressing her desire to create more films rooted in the region. Despite logistical challenges like limited equipment availability, she remains optimistic, eager to collaborate with local talent and tell stories that resonate on a deeper level. When visiting Goa, Riya typically prefers to stay in homestays, explaining that they provide a better opportunity to gather authentic stories for artistic inspiration.
Upcoming Projects and Festival Success
Riya is currently on the cusp of significant milestones in her career. Presently, Riya is a Producer and Writer at BSway Productions, where she is currently developing two feature films with Sway Bhatia, known for her work on Succession, Mighty Ducks, and Zombies 4. One project is directed by Roy Clovis, while the other is penned by Marnie B., daughter of screenwriter Paul Bernbaum. Additionally, Riya is working on a new feature that delves into the psychological complexities of adolescence and another that tackles mental health challenges, both set to debut at major international film festivals in the coming years.
Moreover, her thesis short film, If You Show Me Yours I’ll Show You Mine, is generating buzz in the festival circuit, having received positive responses for the script from over 30 festivals, including being selected as a Finalist at the Academy Award-qualifying Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, as well as being included in the Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival, which is a part of the Lift-Off global network that has been a pioneer for independent filmmaking since 2011 and many in the community have gone on to win Academy Awards.
Her willingness to share her work with the world has been a transformative experience. “Finishing a film is tough because there’s always something to tweak,” she acknowledges, but her decision to submit her films to festivals reflects her commitment to the craft and her belief in her storytelling abilities.
Beyond her production work, Riya serves on the screening committee for prestigious Academy-qualified festivals, including the Atlanta Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and BendFilm Festival, among others.
Creative Process and Future Aspirations
Riya’s creative process is deeply introspective, often drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and the world around her. “I find ideas in introspection and current events,” she shares, noting her interests in psychology and the sciences. Her passion for scuba diving also fuels her desire to create unique underwater films, blending her love for the ocean with her artistic vision.
Influenced by iconic filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, Riya is drawn to complex characters who navigate moral ambiguities. “I enjoy exploring flawed characters,” she notes, believing that they offer more relatable narratives than simplistic portrayals. This depth of character is a hallmark of her storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with the complexities of human experience, topics that are rarely explored.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Riya’s journey serves as an inspiration to emerging filmmakers. “Rejection is a part of this industry,” she advises. “Don’t let a ‘no’ deter you; it often just means the timing isn’t right.” Her resilience in the face of setbacks reflects a mindset that values perseverance and self-belief—a vital lesson for anyone entering the film world.
Moreover, Beyond her professional pursuits, Riya’s personal life also influences her work. Her dog, Nika, often makes cameo appearances in her films, “I try to put her in every movie I make.” symbolizing the joy and companionship that inspire her creativity.
Conclusion
Riya Agarwal’s journey encapsulates a unique blend of ambition, creativity, and a profound love for storytelling. As she continues to explore new cinematic territories, her voice is poised to leave a lasting impact on the film industry. With exciting projects on the horizon and a heart full of inspiration, Riya is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch—a true artist whose work captures the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
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