
Aarav Poonia
Filmmaker
About
Aarav Poonia is an emerging Indian filmmaker whose work spans writing, directing, acting and editing. With a foundation in cinematic storytelling and a deep love for performance, Aarav brings a holistic creative vision to his projects-often wearing multiple hats on set. Since childhood, Aarav dreamed of becoming an actor. But it was during the COVID-19 lockdown that his true artistic journey began. Confined indoors, he immersed himself in global cinema and studied the work of legendary filmmakers and actors. This period sparked a newfound passion not only for acting, but also for direction, writing, and every aspect of the filmmaking process-from editing to sound design to cinematography. Influenced by multi-hyphenate icons like Sylvester Stallone, Bradley Cooper, and Clint Eastwood, Aarav set out to write, direct, act in, and edit his own films-embracing a path of complete creative ownership. His education in filmmaking at MIT ADT University further shaped his approach. "I learned more about what not to do than what to do," Aarav reflects about his film school experience-a lesson that sharpened his instincts and clarified his personal voice as a filmmaker. Aarav's work reflects a love for grounded, character-driven cinema with stylized emotional undertones. He gravitates toward stories rooted in moral conflict and human vulnerability, often expressed through sparse dialogue, deliberate pacing, and strong visual design. Aarav continues to develop original scripts and short films with the same DIY spirit and relentless passion that launched his journey. His approach is deeply personal, blending cinematic inspiration with hard-earned practical experience-making him one of the exciting young voices to watch in the evolving landscape of Indian independent cinema.

Selected In Over Nine International Film Festivals
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Behind The Scenes

















