Meet Tanya Agarwal | Indian filmmaker & Producer

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

Hi Tanya, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
One of the most valuable lessons this industry has taught me is that success in film is not just about talent or access to resources. It is about people. The film world is incredibly interconnected, and your reputation travels with you. What has truly carried me forward is choosing to be kind, honest, and respectful in every interaction. While skill and a strong work ethic are important, it is your character that builds lasting relationships, opens doors, and earns trust. In an industry that never sleeps, kindness leaves the most lasting impression.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is my global understanding of film as a medium. I began my journey in the heart of Bollywood, continued my education in London, and now I am pursue my craft in the United States. This multicultural foundation gives me a unique perspective on both storytelling and audience. I am also deeply curious about the inner workings of the industry, not just as a creative space but as a business. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I have always approached filmmaking with both creative intuition and logistical discipline. This background allows me to balance vision with execution, and it shapes the way I lead, collaborate, and produce.

My path has not been easy. Entering the film industry across three different countries meant starting from scratch each time. It required building new communities, adapting to unfamiliar systems, and facing the fear of the unknown more than once. There were moments where the path forward felt uncertain, but my belief in storytelling never wavered. Each obstacle became an opportunity to grow. I stayed open to learning, asked questions, and found strength in the people who inspired and challenged me.

I am most proud of how I have evolved while staying rooted in the values that brought me here. I believe in the power of collaboration, in leading with kindness, and in honouring the process just as much as the outcome. I want the world to know that my work exists at the intersection of creativity and strategy. My goal is to create stories that travel, both culturally and emotionally. As an Indian filmmaker, I am deeply committed to representation and to bringing nuanced, authentic portrayals of my culture to the screen. I want to champion voices that have been underrepresented and build a body of work that reflects both where I come from and where I hope to go.

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.
If I was incharge of the itinerary around Los Angeles for a week, I would make sure they experienced a mix of culture, food, and fun that truly captures the city’s spirit. We would start with a visit to the Academy Museum to dive into the history and magic of cinema. On the weekend, I’d take them to the Los Feliz Flea Market or Venice beach, where we could explore unique finds and soak up the local vibe. Followed by a peaceful afternoon at the Rose Garden for a secluded quiet picnic with Trader Joe’s snacks.

For food, I would treat them to a casual but delicious meal at Bacari, one of my favourite spots for small plates and great wine. For the most decadent sweet treats, we’d stop by Paris Baguette for fresh pastries and or a slice of delicious cake. One of the highlights would for sure be watching a live show at the Hollywood Bowl. I still think about the time I saw John Mulaney there for a Netflix Special.

If it happened to be Halloween, our backyard house party is a must for the good vibes, and a niche Tanya spot would be going up the West Hollywood hills behind Chateau Mormont to find a life-sized dollhouse, with mannequins and chandeliers on a quiet street at night. Altogether, this itinerary blends my favourite local experiences with moments that feel authentic to my experience of LA.

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?
My journey into filmmaking has spanned over six years and three continents, and I truly believe that every person I have met along the way has played a role in where I am today. At the heart of my support system are my parents, who have constantly championed me. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, filmmaking was an unfamiliar path for all of us, but they never hesitated to encourage me. My sister has been my creative sounding board and a deep source of inspiration. I will always remember that she and my parents attended my first film festival premiere in Mumbai on my behalf while I was studying in Los Angeles. That kind of support is what continues to keep me grounded and motivated.

I am deeply grateful to the mentors who have shaped my path. At the age of fifteen, I produced my first short film in high school, selected by my film professor Sanjay Nair. He introduced me to this world and encouraged me to explore every aspect of the craft. During my undergraduate studies, Professor Gareth Smith offered invaluable mentorship and helped guide me toward gaining admission to USC, where I currently study. At USC, I have had the privilege of learning from Professor Susan Arnold, whose guidance has been instrumental in my growth as a filmmaker. With theirs and so many others guidance, I wouldn’t be who I am.

I also want to recognize the friends and collaborators who have made this journey meaningful. From my first semester group known as the Lizards, to the team behind my recent documentary Cringe, and my wonderful roommates Grace and Aanchal, I have been lucky to be surrounded by people who have supported and inspired me every step of the way. My story would not be complete without them.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-agarwall/

Image Credits
Dhruv Patel
Chloe Antoinette Santos
Abigaille Ozrey