Graduate Sonum Sumaria brings ‘Under The Open Sky’ to London

Sonum Sumaria, a graduate of MetFilm School London’s MA Cinematography course, is bringing her feature-length observational documentary Under The Open Sky to London this September.

Directed by Sonum and filmed over the course of five years in Western India, the 100-minute film follows Ahmed and his family, one of the last nomadic camel-herding communities of Kutch. Facing the pressures of rapid industrialisation and climate change, the family must decide whether to preserve their centuries-old traditions or adapt in order to survive. The documentary is produced by fellow MetFilm School alumna Sienna Beckman, who completed an MA in Producing.

Sonum captures the rhythms, hardships, and dignity of a culture under threat. Geographical Magazine praised the film as “an unflinching fly-on-the-wall portrayal… a refreshing and honest insight.”

For Sonum, who is British-Gujarati, the project continues her exploration of identity, belonging, and disappearing cultures:

“One of the greatest tragedies of our time is the epidemic loss of indigenous and nomadic cultures. For every culture that is wiped out, we lose a vital element of what makes up our humanity.”

Beyond documenting a disappearing way of life, the film highlights the crucial role pastoralists can play in adapting to climate change, showcasing how they live in balance with their environment.

She also credits her training at MetFilm School for equipping her to tell these stories:

“Studying at MetFilm school definitely allowed me to hone my cinematography and storytelling skills, which have served me very well in making documentaries. I’m particularly very grateful to have had such a brilliant tutor, David Schwartz, who was very inspiring and charismatic!”

MetFilm School director, Jonny Persey, says: 

“In a cinematically poetic way, Sonum’s film draws us into the joy of the nomadic culture it portrays as well as the shock of the dynamics that threaten it. As well as teaching us about the subject matter, the film is a lesson in filmmaking and in the values we hold dear at the School: drawing together technical skill with ambition, courage, persistence, vision, and authenticity.”

London Screenings:

• London Premiere + Q&A – The Garden Cinema, Sun 28 Sept, 3:45pm
• Screening + Panel – The Garden Cinema, Thurs 2 Oct, 7:45pm
• Q&A Screening – Genesis Cinema, Sun 19 Oct, 12:45pm

Sonum’s previous work includes In the Shadows of Moscow, Goppi, The Cuban Indian, and Even The Crows: A Divided Gujarat. With Under The Open Sky, she continues to amplify underrepresented voices and invite audiences into conversations about culture, sustainability, and social change.

Curious to find out more?

We offer the MA Cinematography courses at our campuses in London, Leeds and Berlin. Explore our postgraduate courses at an upcoming Open Day.