Meet Rhea Damani | Producer, Director & Cinematographer

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

Hi Rhea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, the idea that anyone could easily choose to pursue a career in the arts, especially in India, was rare. I never truly entertained the thought until I started applying to colleges. I knew I wasn’t destined for a path in business or science—despite a mild interest in those fields, I didn’t excel academically in them. It was also around this time that I started taking photography and editing seriously. It was something that had started as a hobby when I was in my early teens, but by the age of 17, I was captivated by experimenting with new frames and compositions, exploring lighting techniques, and unleashing my imagination through editing software.

The internet became my source of information, and I taught myself everything about photo and video editing. I eagerly applied what I learned, driven by the immense joy and satisfaction that came from bringing an idea to life—from its inception in my mind to its final form on the screen.

My love for storytelling was ignited early on through regular trips to the theatre with my sisters and dad. Films became a window into countless worlds, and I fell in love with the magic of stories. When I realized that I had a genuine calling in visual storytelling, my passion for it flourished. The ability to bring visions to life and craft narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep, emotional level became my driving force.

I knew I wanted to create films that leave a lasting impact, that people could reflect on and carry with them. Helping others and knowing that I’ve played a small part in positively influencing someone’s life is incredibly heartwarming. This has become my ultimate goal—to achieve that same impact through my vision as a filmmaker.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently pursuing my MFA in Film and Television Producing at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, Chapman University. Before this, I earned my undergraduate degree in Filmmaking with a specialization in Cinematography from Whistling Woods International in Mumbai, India. With five years of experience in the film industry, I’ve worked across various formats, including short films, music videos, documentaries, and advertisements, taking on different roles. Lately, I’ve focused on mastering the intricacies of Hollywood and Independent Filmmaking from a Producer’s perspective. Through internships, I’ve gained valuable exposure to film development and am eager to deepen my understanding of acquisitions and distribution!

Before my undergraduate studies, I was a self-taught photographer, videographer, and editor. I spent four to five years immersing myself in video cameras and editing, creating skits and videos with friends and family, and putting them together for everyone to watch. At school, I became known as the “tech wizard,” responsible for visual graphics and videos during festivals and competitions—a role I took great pride in at a young age.

Pursuing a career in film is challenging, particularly for those aspiring to rise to leadership positions or executive roles. However, being a woman in the film industry presents its own unique set of challenges.

While studying Cinematography, I quickly realized that I had to prove myself and my talents way more than anyone else might, just so I would be taken seriously and have my decisions trusted on film sets. One experience that stands out is when I was moving sandbags on set, only to be interrupted by an older man on the grip team who suggested I handle lighter tasks instead. Despite the frustration, I persevered, continuing with the task at hand. This was just one of many instances where I felt the need to assert myself in an environment where women were often underrepresented, especially in technical roles.

I have also been on sets where the only other women were either actors or in the make-up department, and I was the sole female operating the camera. It can become intimidating if you let it, and I did. It was probably after a few more of these experiences that I decided to consciously place more confidence in myself and my abilities and not let my surroundings dictate my worth.

Think of it as a shift in power. Once I realized that my perception of self was entirely in my control, it became easier not to let myself feel small or intimidated. By shifting my mindset and placing confidence in my abilities, I began to have more positive on-set experiences and connect with like-minded creatives who became valued collaborators. However, this shift didn’t happen overnight—it took time and consistent effort. I realized that to truly make an impact, I needed to be the one to create change in the industry rather than letting the industry change me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Currently residing in Orange County, California, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the local beaches, with Laguna and Huntington being my favorites. These spots offer a delightful variety of food options and plenty of serene areas where my friends and I can relax by the ocean without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. The soothing sound of the waves and the way they shimmer under the sun instantly transport me to a state of pure bliss—a perfect escape from the hustle of everyday life.

In addition to the beaches, I enjoy hiking around the Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco Canyon. The trail is relatively easy and short, surrounded by lush nature. Another favorite is the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which offers a range of trails with varying difficulty levels. My friends and I once hiked there for three hours, completely losing track of time because we were having so much fun!

I’m all about spending quality time with good company, no matter where we are.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout to the great friends – no, family – that I have found at Chapman University! My best friends, Isabelle Rivera, Aastha Kotak, Camila Chorro and Chinmayee Kharche are some of the most talented people that I know. Each of them is passionately pursuing different fields within filmmaking, bringing so much care and dedication to everything they do. Their ability to pour their heart and soul into their work is nothing short of inspiring. But what inspires me even more is how they show up for the people they care about.

And, of course, a big shoutout to my parents for their unwavering love and support in everything I do. Their encouragement has been the foundation of my growth in this field. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study film at Chapman. Having such supportive parents is truly a blessing, especially when pursuing a career as demanding as filmmaking.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheadamani

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