Meet Arman Sayat

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arman Sayat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arman, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
When people ask how my business helps communities around the world, I often find it difficult to answer by talking about business alone.

Of course, filmmaking is a business. My team and I provide professional film production and post-production services, helping creators bring their stories to life through cinematography, editing, color grading, sound design, and festival packaging. But today, I want to focus on something far more important than the services we provide.

I want to talk about building a community.

My name is Arman Sayat, filmmaker, founder of Uni95 Production Company, and film festival director of what is now known as the West Hollywood International Film Festival.

Four years ago, this journey began as a small independent screening event under the name Cine Choice Awards. At the time, it was simply a platform where filmmakers could gather, showcase their work, and support one another. I never imagined that a few years later we would become an official film festival recognized by the City of West Hollywood and receive support from one of the most creative cities in the world.

What started in a small room has grown into a thriving international festival hosted at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers — the home of the West Hollywood International Film Festival.

Today, our mission remains simple: to create opportunities for filmmakers.

The West Hollywood International Film Festival stands as a celebration of independent filmmaking and creative discovery. We bring together filmmakers, producers, investors, distributors, and audiences from around the world to share stories, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.

We believe that film has the power to inspire change, spark dialogue, and connect cultures. More than just a festival, we have become a growing international community where emerging artists gain exposure, industry professionals discover new talent, and visionary projects find opportunities for development and distribution.

Every year, our reach continues to expand. We now receive submissions from filmmakers across the globe. Over the past four years alone, we have reviewed more than 1,000 film submissions representing diverse cultures, perspectives, and creative voices.

What makes our festival different is our commitment to accessibility and fairness.

As a filmmaker myself, I have attended many film festivals throughout my career. I have seen how decisions are sometimes influenced by celebrity names, large budgets, or established industry connections. Too often, talented filmmakers are overlooked simply because they lack recognition or resources.

We wanted to create something different.

At the West Hollywood International Film Festival, we do not judge films based on the fame of their actors, directors, or producers. We focus on the story, the creativity, the artistic vision, and the message behind the work. We believe that a first-time filmmaker deserves the same consideration as an established professional.

This philosophy has allowed us to become a bridge connecting talented artists who may never have met otherwise. Through our screenings, networking events, industry panels, and filmmaker Q&A sessions, we have helped creators find collaborators, producers, mentors, and lifelong professional relationships.

Recently, we expanded our mission by launching West Hollywood Filmmakers Night, a recurring event dedicated to independent cinema and community building.

West Hollywood Filmmakers Night brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts for screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities. The event creates a welcoming environment where artists can share their work, receive feedback, and connect with peers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this platform is that it serves everyone equally. Whether you are a participant, an organizer, or a first-time filmmaker, the opportunity to showcase your work remains the same.

At a recent event, I screened my own short film, “Angry Lily.” The experience reminded me exactly why we created this platform. I was able to watch the film with a live audience, observe reactions, test the emotional impact of scenes, evaluate the sound design, and experience the film the way audiences would. That opportunity is invaluable for any filmmaker.

The same event featured outstanding work from filmmakers around the world, including “Mistique,” directed by Namashi Chakraborty, son of legendary Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty. Yet what mattered most was not family names or industry status. What mattered was the work itself.

That is the future we believe in.

A future where established professionals and emerging filmmakers stand side by side. A future where talent matters more than connections. A future where artists are judged by the stories they tell rather than the names attached to their projects.

Our impact extends even further through our partnership with Sceneum, a global streaming platform dedicated to independent cinema. This partnership gives selected filmmakers the opportunity to reach audiences worldwide long after the festival has ended, helping independent films continue their journey beyond a single screening.

None of this would be possible without the support of our partners, volunteers, filmmakers, audiences, the City of West Hollywood, and the nonprofit organization DeepArtment. Together, we have created more than a festival.

We have created a platform.

A platform where filmmakers can be seen.

A platform where voices can be heard.

A platform where creative people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds can come together through a shared passion for storytelling.

If our work has helped the community around the world, it is because we have given filmmakers something every artist needs: an opportunity.

And sometimes, a single opportunity can change everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is that I never wanted to be only a filmmaker. I’ve always wanted to build something bigger than myself—something that creates opportunities for other people.

Professionally, my journey started far from Hollywood. I was born and raised in Kazakhstan, later studied in Scotland, and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue my MFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. Like many people chasing a creative career, I arrived with ambition, but without industry connections, financial backing, or a clear roadmap.

It definitely wasn’t easy.

There were countless challenges along the way: adapting to new countries and cultures, financing my education, building a professional network from scratch, and trying to establish myself in one of the most competitive industries in the world. As an independent filmmaker, I’ve experienced rejection, projects falling apart, budget limitations, and all the uncertainty that comes with pursuing a creative career.

What helped me overcome those challenges was persistence. I learned early on that talent alone isn’t enough. Consistency, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward when things don’t go as planned are often more important than any single skill.

Today, I work as a filmmaker, cinematographer, producer, and film festival director. While I’m proud of the films I’ve created, one of my greatest accomplishments has been helping build the West Hollywood International Film Festival. What began as a small independent screening event evolved into an official festival supported by the City of West Hollywood, welcoming filmmakers and storytellers from around the world.

I’m especially proud that we’ve created a platform where emerging filmmakers can stand alongside established industry professionals.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success is never a solo achievement. Every meaningful accomplishment in my career has been made possible by a community of people who believed in a shared vision. I’ve also learned that some of the most difficult moments often become the most valuable learning experiences. Challenges force you to adapt, grow, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

If I want the world to know one thing about me and my brand, it’s this: I believe opportunity should be accessible. Great stories can come from anywhere, and extraordinary talent exists in every corner of the world. My goal has always been to create platforms, films, and communities that help those voices be heard.

At the end of the day, filmmaking is about connection. Whether through a film, a festival, or a creative collaboration, I want my work to bring people together and remind them that stories still have the power to inspire, unite, and create change.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d recommend exploring iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to discover the history of cinema. A visit to the Griffith Observatory is a must—not only for its incredible views, but because it has appeared in films like La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause. I’d also suggest taking a studio tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood or Universal Studios Hollywood to see where countless productions have come to life.

One of the best things about Los Angeles is that you’re constantly walking through real movie sets. You’ll recognize locations from films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Drive, Pretty Woman, and many more. Even driving through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or along the Pacific Coast feels cinematic.

Of course, I’d recommend spending time in West Hollywood itself. It’s full of great restaurants, cafés, rooftop lounges, live music, and creative spaces where artists, actors, writers, and filmmakers naturally gather. It’s one of the best places to experience the energy of the entertainment industry beyond the red carpets.

If they’re visiting at the right time, I’d strongly encourage them to attend the West Hollywood International Film Festival or one of our West Hollywood Filmmakers Nights, which take place twice a year. These events are more than film screenings—they’re a celebration of independent cinema and emerging talent. Guests have the opportunity to discover incredible new films before they reach wider audiences, meet directors, producers, actors, and cinematographers, take part in Q&A sessions, and build genuine connections with people working in the industry. It’s an inspiring atmosphere where creativity, networking, and passion for storytelling all come together, offering a rare chance to experience Hollywood from the inside rather than just observing it from the outside.

For anyone who loves film, art, and creativity, West Hollywood and Los Angeles offer an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re watching a premiere, visiting a famous filming location, enjoying dinner with friends, or meeting the next generation of filmmakers at one of our events, you’ll leave with memories that feel like scenes from a movie.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my journey as a filmmaker, it’s that no meaningful achievement is ever accomplished alone. Every project, every event, every festival, and every milestone is built on the dedication, support, and belief of incredible people who share the same vision.

First and foremost, I would like to recognize my producer and partner, Ayaulym Sayat. Behind every successful production is someone who keeps everything moving forward, often without seeking recognition. Ayaulym has been a driving force behind countless projects, helping transform ideas into reality through hard work, organization, and unwavering commitment. Her support has been instrumental not only to my work but to the growth of everything we have built together.

I would also like to give a special shoutout to Misha Suvorov and the team at DeepArtment. Their dedication to supporting artists, filmmakers, and creative communities has played a significant role in helping us create opportunities for independent storytellers. DeepArtment has always believed in the power of creativity to bring people together, and their partnership has helped turn many ambitious ideas into real-world events and platforms.

Another important part of my story is Unit95, my production company. More than a company, Unit95 represents a collective of passionate creatives who believe in the power of storytelling. Every film, festival, and community initiative we’ve undertaken has been possible because of talented individuals who continuously contribute their skills, energy, and creativity to our shared mission.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the City of West Hollywood, and especially Tatyana Rodzinek, whose support and belief in independent filmmakers have helped create opportunities for artists from around the world. Through this partnership, what began as a small grassroots event evolved into the West Hollywood International Film Festival, providing a platform where emerging voices can be heard and celebrated.

Together, these people and organizations have helped shape not only my career but also a growing community dedicated to supporting independent cinema. Their contributions remind me that success is never an individual accomplishment—it is the result of people coming together, believing in a shared vision, and working tirelessly to make it a reality.

To all of them, I am deeply grateful. Their impact reaches far beyond me; it reaches every filmmaker, artist, and storyteller who has found a place within the community we’ve built together.

Website: https://www.cineloom.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmsbyinsomniac/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-sayat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arman.sayat

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Unitninty5