"Kumon – Illuminating Genius: The Gitanjali Rao Story"

Some stories aren’t just told, they’re unveiled—like the extraordinary tale of Gitanjali Rao. As Kumon sought to inspire the next generation of learners, our mission was to spotlight this young visionary who’s not only Forbes 30 under 30 laureate but also a beacon of scientific ingenuity—all before her high school years.

As the Cinematographer, my task was to work closely with Director Zeb Smith to translate Gitanjali's radiant intellect and youthful exuberance onto the screen. Teaming up with Producer Chris Wong, we ventured to the heart of Colorado, capturing the essence of Gitanjali’s world in a whirlwind two-day shoot. With a nimble three-person crew, the ARRI Amira was our workhorse, paired with Angenieux zooms that offered us the versatility needed to shoot across multiple locations—from the intimacy of a home environment to the grandeur of the Colorado landscape.

What I'm most proud of, apart from the visual narrative we crafted, is the efficiency and cohesion with which our small team operated. It's a testament to the belief that like minds, when working together, can create something extraordinary, even within the tight constraints of time and logistics. This project stands as a shining example of what we strive for in every shoot—a blend of human connection and visual storytelling that resonates deeply. Our aspiration is to continue shedding light on such powerful stories, igniting curiosity and wonder in viewers worldwide.