Collaborations
between
artists
over
the
years
have
produced
some
of
the
most
compelling
works
for
global
audiences.
When
artists
from
different
cultures
come
together,
they
introduce
perspectives
often
unfamiliar
to
local
viewers.
Among
these
once-hidden
voices
is
cinematographer
Shahan
Rao,
whose
work
behind
the
camera
has
steadily
gained
international
recognition.
With
over
six
releases
in
the
last
two
years,
Rao’s
work
has
not
only
been
celebrated
across
the
global
film
festival
circuit
but
has
also
reached
wider
audiences
through
theatrical
releases.
His
recent
project,
40
Days,
directed
by
acclaimed
filmmaker
Peter
Takla,
has
been
screened
in
theaters
and
received
strong
international
attention.
Shahan
began
his
filmmaking
journey
in
documentaries,
a
foundation
that
rooted
realism
deeply
into
his
cinematic
sensibilities.
This
influence
is
evident
in
prominent
projects
such
as
Generation
Well,
40
Days,
Ghost
in
the
Machine,
Strong
Black
Women,
and
Pieces
of
Two.
At
just
25,
Rao
was
shortlisted
by
the
Academy
of
Motion
Picture
Arts
and
Sciences
for
its
Gold
Rising
Program
and
was
also
named
the
Youngest
Pakistani
Filmmaker
by
The
Nation
to
be
involved
in
over
ten
feature
films.
What
distinguishes
Rao’s
cinematography
is
his
ability
to
translate
text
into
a
powerful
visual
language.
While
many
cinematographers
can
be
rigid
or
ego-driven,
Shahan
is
widely
recognized
as
a
true
collaborator.
Past
collaborators,
including
Tony
Schwartz
(Ghost
in
the
Machine)
and
Peter
Takla
(40
Days,
Falafel),
have
described
him
as
the
creative
backbone-or
“hero”-of
their
projects.
His
passion
and
sharp
problem-solving
abilities
shine
both
in
preparation
and
on
set,
where
he
navigates
complex
creative
and
technical
challenges
with
remarkable
maturity.
The
way
he
leads
his
team
reflects
a
level
of
composure
and
clarity
well
beyond
his
years.
Shahan
is
extraordinary
because
of
the
way
he
works
with
people
and
stories,
not
just
cameras.
He
has
a
natural
ability
to
understand
characters
and
translate
their
emotions
into
images
that
feel
honest
and
human.
On
set,
he
leads
with
calm,
respect,
and
collaboration,
creating
an
environment
where
everyone
feels
focused
and
inspired
rather
than
pressured.
He
handles
technical
challenges
with
ease,
but
never
lets
the
technology
overpower
the
story.
What
truly
sets
Shahan
apart
is
his
maturity
and
empathy.
Another
defining
aspect
of
Rao’s
career
is
his
selective
choice
of
projects,
most
of
which
are
deeply
character-driven.
Films
such
as
Strong
Black
Women,
Straw,
and
Nebuchadnezzar
focus
on
distinct
characters,
each
photographed
with
visual
identities
that
mirror
their
emotional
and
psychological
depth.
These
projects
demand
intricate
visual
coordination,
an
area
where
Rao
consistently
excels.
Known
for
his
calm
demeanor
and
focused
leadership,
he
brings
precision
to
a
role
that
often
requires
managing
hundreds
of
crew
members
daily.
His
ability
to
maintain
visual
cohesion
while
handling
technical
complexity
is
what
elevates
his
work
from
competent
to
exceptional.
Recently,
Generation
Well
received
a
Gold
Award
at
the
Oniros
Film
Awards
(New
York)
and
won
Best
Short
Film
at
the
Swedish
International
Film
Festival,
further
cementing
Rao’s
position
on
the
international
stage.
Looking
ahead,
Rao
is
set
to
collaborate
with
both
familiar
and
new
creative
partners.
He
will
reunite
with
Peter
Takla
on
two
upcoming
features-Crazy
Rich
Arabs
and
Husband
for
Sale
2-under
Media
Ave
Studios,
a
consistent
force
in
independent
Hollywood
feature
production.
Additionally,
Rao
has
signed
on
to
a
highly
anticipated
science
fiction
project
with
Dustin
Fairbanks
under
L7
Pictures,
following
his
work
on
Inhuman.
Both
projects
are
currently
in
development
and
expected
to
move
into
pre-production
in
the
coming
months.
Rao’s
future
appears
not
only
busy
but
creatively
ambitious.
He
is
not
merely
contributing
to
contemporary
cinema-he
is
actively
shaping
its
visual
language.
In
an
industry
filled
with
skilled
technicians,
Shahan
Rao
stands
out
as
a
cinematographer
with
a
distinct
worldview,
proven
leadership
at
scale,
and
a
visual
voice
that
resonates
across
cultures,
genres,
and
continents.