Sonum Sumaria
I’m Sonum Sumaria, a London-based director, cinematographer, and editor working across documentary film, brand storytelling, and portrait video.
About
I’m Sonum Sumaria, a London-based director, cinematographer, and editor working across documentary film, brand storytelling, and portrait video. My work centers on people living at the edges of society—platforming threatened livelihoods, hidden daily struggles, and overlooked perspectives—while keeping craft and collaboration at the heart of every production.
From cinema screenings in the UK and international festivals to commissioned projects supporting NGOs and communities, I bring visual storytelling to life with strong camera craft, thoughtful editing, and on-the-ground teamwork. I’m also a details-driven practitioner in production safety and compliance, and I enjoy building narratives that feel human, urgent, and beautifully made.
- 12 years' experience
- Joined October 2026
Languages
- EnglishFluent
- Spanish; CastilianAdvanced
- PortugueseIntermediate
- RussianIntermediate
- FrenchBeginner
Industry experience
- Media & Entertainment
- Education
- Non-Profit Organization
- Professional Services
- Travel & Hospitality
- Government
- Healthcare
Work experience· 11 roles
Directed, shot, and edited a short documentary (10') about the Burnt Oak Nepali Gurkha community, funded by Barnet Council for their Light+Flight Festival.
Directed and shot the documentary UNDER THE OPEN SKY (2025, 100'). The film follows Ahmed and his family, nomadic camel-herders from India, whose livelihoods are threatened by modernisation and industrialisation. The production was distributed globally and acquired for international broadcast, with screenings across London including venues such as Bertha DocHouse, The Garden Cinema, and Genesis Cinema. Selected at 18 international film festivals, including recognition in major press for its portrayal of a threatened way of life. A
Produced commissioned documentary and commission-based editorial work, including SUCCESSION (2020, 12') for Cambridge University exploring perspectives of Black Trinity students for Black History Month; IT FELT LIKE A REVOLUTION (2019, 19') exploring changing the college's identity through the lens of female experiences Cinematographer for campaign film OUR NHS: HANGING ON A THREAD (2016, 11'38"), a short documentary addressing NHS underfunding for a national campaign group. Delivered across short documentary formats with clear editorial intent.
Education
Certifications and awards
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