About
Luminary Pictures
Luminary Pictures is dedicated to producing brilliantly cinematic and immersive stories that captivate global audiences with the richness of South Asian thrillers. Our mission is to illuminate the screen with powerful, suspense-filled narratives, driven by stunning visuals and deep cultural storytelling, that transcend borders and spark a new era of filmmaking.”
Team
Rita Meher
Rita Meher is an influential figure in the film industry as the Founder and CEO of Luminary Pictures, where she is dedicated to producing compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. As a visionary leader, Rita brings her extensive experience and commitment to advancing South Asian storytelling to Luminary Pictures, driving the development of a dynamic slate of films and television projects.
In addition to her role at Luminary Pictures, Rita is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tasveer, the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival in the world. Her exceptional leadership has propelled Tasveer into a premier platform for showcasing South Asian narratives, securing vital distribution partnerships and establishing the first-ever South Asian Film Market.
Rita’s journey in film began in Japan at a city channel and evolved through her work with local media outlets in Seattle, including KOMO TV, an ABC affiliate. As a filmmaker, her notable credits include “Zewel” and “Wakhri,” and she has made significant contributions to the award-winning documentary “Threads.” Her directorial debut, “Citizenship 101,” received acclaim for its poignant storytelling.
Recognized for her contributions to the arts, Rita has received multiple awards, including the ‘Rising Stars’ award from Northwest Asian Weekly and the ‘Seattle Globalist of the Year’. Her passion for empowering South Asian filmmakers and her dedication to nurturing new talent continue to shape the landscape of independent cinema.
As Luminary Pictures embarks on new productions, Rita’s leadership and vision promise to foster innovative storytelling that captivates audiences and highlights the richness of South Asian culture.
ZAKI CHINDÉ (ZAK)
Executive Producer
Zak is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and director with over two decades of experience in the filmmaking and advertising industries. As the Executive Producer of Luminary Pictures, he brings a wealth of expertise in overseeing large-scale productions, having executed more than 100 TV commercials, music videos, corporate films, and documentaries. His creative vision and leadership have been instrumental in producing commercials for leading global brands, including Unilever, Pfizer, and Beiersdorf AG.
With a deep understanding of global cultural dynamics and a robust network spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Zak specializes in delivering high-quality productions that resonate across diverse audiences. His unique approach to storytelling and attention to detail ensure that every project is crafted with innovation and professionalism.
Zak’s role as a launch campaign specialist has enabled him to guide brands in bringing new products to market, from creative ideation to execution. As a mentor and leader, he has nurtured creative teams, fostering collaboration and excellence across all stages of production.
Currently, Zak is developing ‘The Pharaoh of Pharma’ a highly anticipated long-format series set to enter production soon. His contributions to the world of filmmaking have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the ‘Golden Conch Award’ for Best Debut Short Film at the Mumbai International Film Festival.
Under Zak’s leadership, Luminary Pictures is poised to create groundbreaking long-format content and TV commercials that captivate audiences worldwide.
Kranti Kumar
Producer
With over two decades of expertise in broadcast operations, content distribution, and revenue growth, Kranti Kumar has played a key role in the Indian television and film industries. His extensive experience includes nearly a decade at ETV Network and Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, where he pioneered innovative strategies that boosted revenue, brand visibility, and audience engagement.
As a Producer at Luminary Pictures, Kranti ensures the efficient execution of productions, overseeing cost-effective strategies while maintaining high production standards. His multilingual proficiency in Telugu, Bengali, Odia, Hindi, and English allows him to effectively manage diverse teams and complex productions, ensuring exceptional outcomes for all projects.
Shivam Gupta
Casting Director/Producer
Shivam Gupta is a casting director and founder of Shivam Gupta Casting Pvt. Ltd., established in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has grown into one of the industry’s prominent casting agencies, with credits across acclaimed films and web series including Choked, Little Things 3, Chacha Vidhayak Hai Humare, Ye Kaali Kaali Ankhein, Asur 2, Gullak 3, Costao, Space Generation, Haq, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Bhoole Chook Maaf.
He began his career as a Casting Assistant on Daddy and Trapped, and later worked as an Associate Casting Director on major projects such as Sacred Games 2, Mirzapur, and Raid, before establishing his independent venture. He has also ventured into production and Produced
Laar, Rhino Charge, FLAMES, Two Sinners, and served as Executive Producer on Songs of Forgotten Trees, which won Best Director (Orizzonti) at the 82nd Venice Film Festival.