Having worked as a director and cinematographer for more than eight years, Ajijul Hasan Surzo is a versatile artist. His commitment to visual narrative, pre-production planning, and post-production supervision has positioned him as a rising star. He is also capable of transforming creative thoughts into cinematic experiences. A solid dedication to cross-cultural storytelling characterizes Surzo’s technique. His technique enables him to establish global connections with audiences using a common narrative language.
He started his career in film in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, where he developed a passion for narratives that depict human experiences and cultural diversity. Nevertheless, he resides in Los Angeles, successfully juggling freelancing work and Hollywood productions to further his career. His multiracial viewpoint allows him to add depth and richness to his cinematography, which helps tell stories that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.
Surzo currently leads the Media Department at Hair Queen LA and OYO TV, where he drives the strategy behind the digital production of content. He oversees the entire digital production process and liaises with other departments to ensure quality deliverables. There, Surzo’s excellent leadership is evident in his guidance of creative teams, effectively managing diverse media projects.
Before this position, however, Surzo gained valuable production experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. There, he displayed time management, leadership, and set safety. Of course, working in such a fast-paced, high-pressure environment has honed his ability to meet tight deadlines while ensuring production protocols are strictly followed. Those skills translated into his freelance career, in which Surzo has directed and shot many award-winning short films and documentaries.
In addition to camera operation, as a cinematographer, Surzo has mastered the technical aspects of several leading cameras in the industry: Panavision DXL 2, Arri Alexa, and Red Digital Cinema Camera. Balancing technical with aesthetic composition makes him a stand-apart talent for both commercial and narrative projects. Furthermore, his experience as a colorist at C&I Studios sealed the deal on his expertise in color grading to ensure consistency and emotional impact for a project.
Surzo has an impressive filmography that includes several prestigious awards, such as Best Film at the Films on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the I-Lead-O-Scope Film Festival. His projects have achieved recognition at major international festivals, including the Cinevoyage International Film Festival, Cinemira Budapest International Film Festival, and the Frames Film Festival. These accolades reflect his commitment to meaningful filmmaking that resonates across cultural boundaries. Additionally, Surzo is the head of Craft Films LA, his production company, which specializes in narrative, commercial, and documentary films in the United States, showcasing his strong entrepreneurial spirit within the film industry.
Currently gaining a Masters in Film Production at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Surzo is still sharpening his axe. His academic background, combined with hands-on experience, enables him to merge theoretical and practical aspects of filmmaking. Without a doubt, Ajijul Hasan Surzo is the filmmaker to watch out for in the following years.
