Raga Akwedir is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He has been active in the film industry since the mid-1990s, directing multiple feature films, shorts, and television episodes. He is best known for directing the independent film, “The Final Spring”, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016.
Raga Akwedir was born in New York City in 1974. He was raised in a creative household, with his parents being avid movie-goers and his father being an amateur photographer. Growing up, Akwedir developed a deep appreciation for cinema and the art of storytelling.
At the age of 17, Akwedir enrolled at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where he earned a B.F.A. in film production. He went on to complete a master’s degree in cinematography at the American Film Institute.
Upon graduating, Akwedir began his career as a music video director and editor. His first feature film, “The Final Spring”, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 and was well received by critics. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality, and mortality.
In 2017, Akwedir directed the short film “The Window”, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Short Film Palme d’Or. The film was praised for its unique visuals and its exploration of the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather.
Akwedir has also directed numerous television episodes, including for the shows “Scorpion”, “The Good Place”, and “The Blacklist”. He has also produced several films, including “The Last Stop”, a horror film which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018.
Raga Akwedir has established himself as a highly versatile filmmaker, with a talent for creating compelling stories that explore complex themes. He has been praised by critics for his unique visual style and his ability to tell powerful stories. His work has earned him multiple awards and nominations, including the Tribeca Film Festival’s Best Narrative Feature Award for “The Final Spring”.
