Eddie Arya, a renowned filmmaker, gained widespread recognition for his low-budget indie film, Risen, which premiered at festivals and garnered 10 awards, securing a theatrical release in the United States through Vertical Entertainment and a global release on VOD platforms.
Born on October 29, 1981, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Arya spent his childhood in Sydney, Australia, where he developed a passion for filmmaking at the tender age of 7. Consuming a vast amount of television and film, he became fascinated with the behind-the-scenes aspects, including cinematography, sets, character development, and storytelling techniques.
Arya's first feature film, "The Navigator," marked his directorial debut, followed by "The System," an Australian drama that explored the economy's impact on unemployment. Both films were written, shot, directed, produced, and edited by Arya, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Risen, Arya's third feature film, is an American sci-fi thriller distributed by Vertical Entertainment for a limited theatrical release in the United States and a global release on VOD platforms. The film's commercial success was accompanied by numerous festival awards, including two Best Director accolades.
Despite facing pressure to pursue a career in medicine and initial discouragement from his passion for filmmaking, Arya remained resolute, driven by his desire to inspire and change lives through the power of storytelling. He bought his first camera on eBay and began working on "The Navigator" on his 29th birthday.
Throughout his journey, Arya has worn multiple hats, taking on roles in design, set production, and even editing, in addition to directing, writing, and producing. His dedication and passion have earned him recognition as a self-taught, independent filmmaker.
Inspired by fellow filmmakers who share his passion and determination, Arya now helps and shares his knowledge of storytelling with emerging filmmakers, having been invited to serve as a jury member at film festivals.
