Meet Mihika Das of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mihika Das.

Hi Mihika, 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 first picked up a camera when I was in the 5th grade, and then more seriously a couple years later. I recognize that I’ve been lucky enough to always have a camera floating around my home. My family has a medical background but are artistically inclined.

Both my parents were big photography enthusiasts, my mother is a natural artist and my father always incorporated art museums in our travels. Truth be told, I knew I wanted to tell stories with film from the 8th grade, but they weren’t quite sure. Instead, I pursued a Bachelors in Mass Media specializing in Advertising before jumping into cinematography. And I’d do it all over again as it was then that they realized my love for storytelling.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think some of the best advice I received while trying to navigate the arts was, find everything it is that you don’t want to do. Unlike other professions, there is no one formula that fits all when it comes to film – each project has its own learning curve & that’s what keeps the medium so exciting and humbling.

After a diploma in cinematography from Mindscreen Film Institute in Chennai, India; two years of work experience under the wing of Director of Photography Athit Naik and a Masters in Film Production – Cinematography, I think it’s safe to say that this is what I was always meant to do; help tell stories.

Unfortunately, cinematography is an incredibly gendered industry. There were many times I found myself on set in India being asked questions about costume and direction without even being asked what department I was in. Many in the team I was a part of were unable to gauge whether or not I was capable all because of my gender. A producer who once hired me told me,”You’re going to meet all kinds of people in this industry – you should learn to work with all of them.”

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a filmmaker from Mumbai, India based in Los Angeles. I specialize in Cinematography and have furthered my craft with a Masters in Cinematography from Dodge College of Film & Media Arts, Chapman University.
I’m most proud of my ability to visualize ideas tenderly. In the pursuit of image-making, there is nothing more rewarding than catching those fleeting moments and reading between the lines of a script.

To date, the projects I’m most proud of are my documentary “Handwoven”, a narrative short film called “La Cumbia (SOMA)”.

Handwoven, as of March 2025, has been in official selections at twelve different festivals across the US, even winning Festival Favourite at Palm Springs’ Cinema Paradise Film Festival in 2024. It is also in the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker’s showcase at the Cannes Film Festival later this month which is an massive honour.

La Cumbia (SOMA) was made at the time of the strikes in 2023 and allowed the crew to meet fantastic actors from the industry to amplify the story of the Muxe community. It make’s it LA debut at the academy award qualifying Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival this summer, which feels like a great homecoming.

Both these projects are on the film festival circuit currently and explore themes of identity and one’s place in the world. It has been incredibly gratifying to have friends, colleagues and strangers recognize the heart behind the stories and images created.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
As cliche as it sounds, you make your own luck.

However I also think the people you hold close to you make you luckier. The privilege of this job is choosing to work with friends and that’s pretty damn lucky.

Pricing:

• N.A

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mihikadas.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mihika
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihika-das-c35

 

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Chaewon Suh (@suhchae)

Frames from La Cumbia (SOMA) and Handwoven