By: Chelsea Robinson
As Weave of Culture continues to receive recognition at international film festivals—winning notable honors such as Best Short Film at the 8th Indian World Film Festival, Best Film (Jury) at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, and several awards at WorldFest Houston, Panther City, and Five Continents International Film Festival—Surya’s behind-the-scenes photography has played a significant role in shaping the film’s visual narrative and its lasting impact.
“Being on set during the making of Weave of Culture was an experience I will always remember,” Surya shares. “It was a powerful story being told, and I felt a responsibility to capture the creative energy that flowed between the cast and crew.”
Surya’s work went beyond simple documentation. With a professional MFA background and years of developed artistic practice, his behind-the-scenes stills from the film are infused with mood, light, composition, and emotion. His images do not simply record what happened—they evoke a sense of being part of the storytelling process.
His photographs from the shoot have been widely used across press kits, festival portfolios, and international media coverage of the film. Each frame conveys a story: actors in quiet reflection between takes, the director focused on his work, and fleeting, intimate moments that most cameras would overlook. These stills offer a rare glimpse into the heart of a film set—honest, unobtrusive, and full of life.
“Surya didn’t just take pictures—he gave the film its behind-the-scenes soul,” a crew member remarked during a festival interview. “His presence was calm, observant, and intentional. His camera captured the essence of the work.”
With an MFA in photography, Surya brings a unique academic and aesthetic approach to his craft. His formal training allows him to approach behind-the-scenes work not merely as coverage, but as an art form. Every frame is thoughtfully considered. Every composition is intentional.
His work on Weave of Culture has garnered attention within the indie and festival filmmaking community. Several creatives and production houses have recognized his ability to merge artistic quality with documentary precision, a combination that is relatively rare in the world of BTS photography.
The success of Weave of Culture has shone a global spotlight on all those involved in its creation. While the actors and directors took center stage, Surya’s quiet lens has captured the atmosphere that made the story possible. His photos are now part of the film’s official visual archive, traveling across the globe as the film screens at festivals from Chicago to Stuttgart to Seattle.
“Behind-the-scenes photography is more than just being present. It’s about understanding the emotion behind each shot, the relationships between creators, and the invisible threads that connect a team. That’s what I strive to capture,” Surya explains.
With a growing portfolio of cinematic work and an educational foundation that gives his art both technique and depth, Surya is steadily emerging as a sought-after visual artist in the world of film photography. His contribution to Weave of Culture has not only added to the film’s identity, but it has also opened new creative possibilities for his own journey as a visual storyteller.
As Weave of Culture continues its award-winning run, Surya’s photographs remain a powerful reminder of the artistry that exists beyond the frame, a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable stories happen behind the scenes.