Behind the Lens: From Refugee to Filmmaker — The Making of Influencer, a UK-Sri Lankan Psychological Thriller

By Siva Santhakumar – British Cinematographer & Project Designer

Twenty years ago, I arrived in the UK as a refugee—with nothing but hope and a dream to tell stories that matter.

I didn’t know where that dream would take me, but I knew I loved the way a single image could move someone. Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say I’ve worked as a cinematographer on Influencer, a bold psychological thriller that brings together talent, cultures, and storytelling from both the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.

Influencer is an English-language independent film exploring themes of identity, manipulation, and psychological control in the digital age. But more than just a thriller, this project represents something deeply personal—for me and for the creative team behind it.

Directed by Nero Gilbert, edited by Sajeeth Jeyakumar, and produced by Gnanadas Kasinathar—three of my closest friends and longtime collaborators—Influencer was built on trust, history, and shared creative fire. We’ve been making films together since our award-winning short Trance in 2017, and this new feature marks a powerful evolution in our journey as filmmakers.

We shot Influencer across the untamed, cinematic landscapes of Sri Lanka. The environment was breathtaking—lush, wild, and full of its own unpredictable energy. It challenged us in every way imaginable. From heat and downpours to actual leech bites (yes, real ones), we faced it all together. But that’s exactly what gave the film its raw visual texture and psychological edge.

As the cinematographer and project designer, I leaned into the organic chaos of the jungle. I used natural light, movement, and space to visually reflect the story’s emotional tension. The setting wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a living, breathing presence in the film.

We combined British filmmaking techniques with Sri Lankan artistic expression, creating a cross-cultural thriller that’s as visually compelling as it is narratively gripping. The cast and crew, drawn from both nations, brought authenticity and heart to every scene. This wasn’t just a production—it was a creative collision of cultures, shaped by real relationships and shared belief in the story we were telling.

For me, Influencer is a full-circle moment. It’s proof that even when you come from hardship, you can build something meaningful. I came to the UK as a refugee. Today, I work as a British cinematographer, and I’ve had the privilege of helping bring this powerful story to life with friends who feel like family.

This film is about evolution—of identity, of cinema, and of personal growth. It’s a project made with passion, resilience, and leech bites—and we can't wait to share it with the world.

Thank you for following our journey. Please support Influencer, share it, and stay connected for release updates and behind-the-scenes content.

If You Loved Films Like...

• Gone Girl

• The Night Manager

• Under the Skin...then Influencer will keep you guessing, and leave you thinking long after the credits roll.