Arya is a documentary filmmaker and visual journalist based in Portland, Oregon. His work focuses on histories, Indigeneity, immigrant experiences and foodways—crafting stories through an inclusive and experiential lens.
He is currently the Executive Producer of “Oregon Experience,” an anthological history documentary series on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).
Arya previously was the co-creator and co-showrunner of Superabundant, OPB’s award-winning series exploring the region’s food systems.
Past OPB video reportage have investigated VR games designed to reduce pain, Rohingya genocide survivors adapting to new American lives and the creative process of a Grammy-nominated backpack jazz producer, with other work appearing on PBS NewsHour, NPR, and other outlets.
Previously, he honed his craft at IFA Media in Singapore, where he developed and produced TV documentaries for international networks such as ARTE France, the History Channel and the National Geographic Channel. He also led teams in creating video and interactive exhibits for museums, through working at Cortina Productions in Washington, D.C.
His first gig was freelancing for Vanity Fair. The video he co-produced for the magazine’s 2008 essay on waterboarding has been credited as a catalyst for the federal investigation into that interrogation practice.
In addition to his production work, Arya serves as a board member of the Portland chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association.