Daily Inspiration: Meet Sonia Bhatia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Bhatia.

Hi Sonia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Mumbai, India watching both Indian Cinema and American Television. My goal was and is to craft stories that transcend geographical and cultural barriers, mix both worlds and resonate with a global audience.

I come from a long line of doctors on both sides of my family, but my parents have been very supportive of my choice to pursue the arts. I pursued a Bachelors in Mass Media at Jai Hind College, The University Of Mumbai. It had courses for film, advertising, journalism, PR, marketing but I found myself most drawn to the film production projects. Even for other courses, like Journalism and Advertising, I made a documentary film and ad-films respectively.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always knew I wanted to study in the United States for the experience and when I decided to go to film school, USC was an obvious choice. I fully didn’t expect to get in given the competitive nature of the program, but it’s been an experience of a lifetime as I enter my last semester.

I’ve met some of my best friends, and the best collaborators here and I am excited to be able to make movies with them for the rest of our lives.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
During my time in LA and at USC, I’ve focused on producing and directing. I directed my thesis film this summer, Aayat which tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a local child and an army officer in the conflicted region of Kashmir. I produced Dear Mr. Hitman, a comedy about a suburban empty-nester who hires a hitman to kill her cheating husband which has screened at The Chicano Hollywood Film Festival and The Broad Humor FF.
Prior to that, I produced Dead Pet Shark, a rare USC thesis film shot on 35mm film that has screened at LA Shorts 2025, Dances With Films 2024 and will screen at Nashville Film Festival 2025. I’m looking forward to the festival runs of BUG, a thriller short and Fuel Up, a virtual production thesis about a female race car driver in a male-dominated sport both of which I produced. Lily, my first year five-minute directorial was inspired by my relationship with my mother and screened at The City Of Angels FF.

During my time in LA, I’ve been fortunate to intern with companies that produce incredible work and find mentors that are truly inspiring. This includes working at Mandalay Entertainment, Highland Film Group and The Rough Diamond Productions. I’ve also had the opportunity to assist professors as a TA for some incredible classes where I’ve learnt from the students and formed long-lasting relationships.

My goal after I graduate is to work in Development and Production at a company whose work I resonate with and eventually produce for international scripted television.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soniabhatiaportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniab15/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniabhatia150199