Meet Sumit Singh | Film Director and Writer

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

Hi Sumit, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, I think I’ve always been drawn to stories. Even as a kid, cinema just made sense to me. I didn’t watch movies just for fun. I watched them to understand life, to process things, to dream a little bigger. And science fiction, especially, helped me a lot. It gave me a framework to think about the world, about humanity, technology, the future… all the big questions I didn’t have answers to. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in being curious.

I actually studied computer science engineering in India, which feels like a completely different lifetime now. But during that time, I realized what really lit me up wasn’t logic or code: it was storytelling. I wanted to explore human emotions, ideas, and questions in a way that felt alive. So I took a leap, moved to California, and pursued my MFA in Film Production with a focus on directing at Chapman University. That changed everything.

For me, being a filmmaker is about expressing a point of view. And I really believe your point of view is the most valuable thing you have. If you’re not noticing things, questioning things, or saying something specific about the world, then what are you doing, really? Art is the best way I’ve found to bring both my thoughts and emotions together; to say, “This is how I see the world. This is what I want to show you.”

And on a deeper level, I think you’re either a participant in the world or you’re a creator. I want to be a creator. I want to contribute something meaningful, whether that’s a film, an idea, or just a moment someone remembers.

Since then, I’ve directed a few films that went on to stream on Disney+ and EpicON, which has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve worked with some amazing people, and every project reminds me why I chose this path. I didn’t become a filmmaker to follow trends, I became one because stories matter. And they’re the best way I know to make sense of life, and maybe even change it a little.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Filmmaking, for me, is the most powerful way to explore the human condition. I love stories that entertain, but I’m drawn even more to stories that provoke thought. I gravitate toward science fiction, not for the gadgets and spectacle, but because it allows us to ask: What does it mean to be human in a world driven by technology, control, or chaos? Sci-fi lets me imagine new futures while reflecting on the present.

For me, science fiction is more than just a genre. It’s a way of looking at the world. It allows me to explore the big questions: what it means to be human, what the future could look like, and how technology shapes our lives. And I don’t approach sci-fi from a purely visual or effects-driven angle. I come to it as a writer and a thinker. To me, science fiction is an idea. It’s a seed. And everything else grows from there.

I originally studied computer science engineering in India, but somewhere along the way, I realized that storytelling was calling me louder than code ever could. So I made a pretty big leap. I moved to California and pursued an MFA in Film Directing at Chapman University. It wasn’t easy. Changing countries, leaving everything familiar behind, chasing a dream in a place that once felt completely out of reach. it came with a lot of uncertainty. But the passion was stronger than the fear.

Growing up in India, Hollywood always felt like a strange, distant world, something I admired, but never thought I could be a part of. But once I got here and started making films, I realized it’s not some secret club. If you have a voice and a clear point of view, and if you stay consistent and focused, you can be part of it. It’s not about big stars or massive budgets. Especially in science fiction, it’s about the concept. The script is the star. The idea is the hook.

I think what sets me apart is this intersection I live in. I have a background in engineering, so I’m wired to think in systems and logic. But I’m also obsessed with people, emotions, and storytelling. That combination lets me create high-concept, low-budget sci-fi that still says something about who we are as human beings. I use science fiction as a lens to explore the human condition. It’s not about lasers and spectacle; it’s about what it means to be alive right now, and where we could be headed.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my film Brain in a Box, a sci-fi short about a scientist trying to convince his AI creation that it’s not human. That film ended up streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and ShortsTV in the US, and it really showed me what’s possible when you stick to your vision.

I recently received funding again from Chapman University to direct a new film called One Percent, which is currently in post-production. It’s a deeply human story set in New Delhi, about a young boy living in the slums who steals an air purifier for his ailing mother. It’s set against the backdrop of India’s air pollution crisis and explores how even the air we breathe is not equal. It’s a story about survival, disparity, and the small, silent choices that define us.

Where I’m headed now is continuing to build that identity, creating sci-fi films that feel raw, emotional, and thought-provoking. I want my work to sit at the intersection of technology and humanity, and I want to keep using every tool at my disposal: AI, virtual production, whatever comes next, to tell stories that matter. I’m not here to play it safe. I’m here to explore.

That’s what I do. And that’s what I want the world to know about my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I split my time between Los Angeles, California and New Delhi, India and both cities have shaped me in very different ways. If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them on a week-long adventure that spans both these worlds: starting with stars in LA and landing in the soul of Delhi. Here’s the itinerary:

Days 1–4: Los Angeles — Cinematic skies, creative buzz

Day 1: Griffith Observatory & Sunset Drive
We’d start with a classic Griffith Observatory. It’s timeless, beautiful, and cinematic. The view, especially at sunset, makes you feel like anything is possible. We’d do a short hike, soak in the skyline, and talk about life like we’re writing the first act of a film.

Day 2: Venice Beach + Abbot Kinney
Beach day. We’d hit Venice, watch skateboarders, check out weird performances, and then walk to Abbot Kinney for some of the coolest boutiques, cafés, and concept stores. Dinner at Gjelina or The Butcher’s Daughter, depending on the mood.

Day 3: Arts District + Rooftop Night
We’d wander through Downtown LA’s Art District, explore murals and indie galleries, and end the night with cocktails and city views at Perch or Ace Hotel Rooftop. Feels like you’re living in a dream sequence.

Day 4: Movie Buff Marathon
Time for some film nerd stuff. A visit to The Academy Museum, maybe a black-and-white classic at New Beverly Cinema, and late-night In-N-Out to wrap it up like true LA locals.

Flight: LA ✈ Delhi — Shift gears, change continents, and dive into soul
After soaking in the West Coast sun, we’d catch a flight to New Delhi—because the trip isn’t complete without experiencing the chaos, color, and culture of India’s capital. Different vibe, different rhythm, same love for storytelling.

Days 5–7: New Delhi — Contrast, history, and hidden beauty

Day 5: Lodhi Garden + Khan Market
We’d ease in with a morning walk through Lodhi Garden, one of my favorite spots in the city. It’s peaceful and full of stories if you stop to notice. Then off to Khan Market for brunch at Perch, a little shopping, and good conversation.

Day 6: Old Delhi Adventure
Now we go full local. Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, narrow lanes, street food, autorickshaws—it’s loud, beautiful chaos. We’d stop at Haveli Dharampura for a rooftop dinner that feels straight out of another century.

Day 7: Mehrauli + Qutub Minar + Olive
We’d finish strong—exploring Mehrauli Archaeological Park, then walking to Qutub Minar for a brush with history. Dinner at Olive Bar & Kitchen under the twinkling lights—elegant, romantic, and the perfect wrap.

That’s the kind of trip I’d plan. Two cities, two worlds, one unforgettable week. LA gives you ambition. Delhi gives you soul. Together, they give you perspective.

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?
There have been a lot of people and moments that shaped my journey, but if I had to pick just a few to shout out, the first name that comes to mind is Chris Moore: my best friend and one of the most talented writers I know. We met at Chapman University during our film school days, and he’s been a constant source of encouragement and belief ever since. Even when I’ve found it hard to believe in myself, Chris has always reminded me that my voice matters and my work has something unique to say. He’s not just a friend, he’s like a brother—and we support each other’s creative work every step of the way. Watching him work on some incredible shows on Netflix and still showing up for my films has been a big inspiration.

Outside of people, I’ve found deep encouragement in books. One book I keep returning to is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I’ve read it more than ten times, and each time, I discover something new in it. That story of chasing a dream, no matter how far-fetched or long the road may seem, really speaks to me. It’s helped me stay on course when things felt uncertain.

I also find a strange kind of hope in stories of people who are older, people in their 50s or 60s, who are still out there chasing their dreams. We live in a world that often glorifies early success, but I’ve come to admire those who keep going no matter their age. That kind of long-haul belief, that quiet, consistent fire, is something I really respect.

And of course, a huge shoutout to my professors and classmates at Chapman University, who challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow into the filmmaker I am today. Those three years were formative, not just for the craft, but for the mindset.

So this is for all the dreamers; especially the ones who keep believing even when it’s hard to. I see you. And I’m one of you.

Website: https://www.sumitsinghfilms.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumit-singh-6a2a58114/