Meet Aby Rao | Filmmaker & Event Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aby Rao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aby, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Home Is Distant Shores creates a profound social impact by fostering cultural understanding and community connection through immersive events that celebrate the rich heritage and diverse stories of immigrants. By bringing personal narratives to life, we help to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build empathy among people of all backgrounds. Our events not only educate and inspire but also create a space for meaningful dialogue and shared experiences, promoting unity and a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity.

Furthermore, our commitment to giving back ensures that part of our proceeds supports nonprofits dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees. This helps to amplify the voices and experiences of those we celebrate, directly contributing to their well-being and integration into society. Through these efforts, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Connecting Cultures, One Event at a Time

At Home Is Distant Shores, our art is more than just visual—it’s an experience that bridges cultures, connects communities, and tells the diverse stories of immigrants in a deeply immersive and interactive way. Our mission is to celebrate and amplify these stories by creating intimate, participatory events that bring their journeys to life. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering cultural understanding and unity through these unique experiences.

What We Do

Our approach is collaborative, working closely with partners to co-produce these immersive experiences. We handle everything from marketing and ticketing to creating engaging promotional content, ensuring that every event not only resonates with audiences but also benefits all involved through profit-sharing.

The Journey

Getting to where we are today has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and learning. It hasn’t always been easy. We’ve faced challenges in bridging cultural gaps, finding the right platforms, and ensuring that every story we tell is done justice. But we’ve overcome these challenges by staying true to our mission and continuously learning from each experience.

Pride and Excitement

I’m most proud of the connections we’ve made and the impact our events have had. Seeing people from different backgrounds come together, share in the experiences of others, and leave with a deeper understanding and respect for different cultures is incredibly rewarding. It’s this impact that excites me the most and keeps us striving to do more.

Lessons Learned

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of patience, collaboration, and staying true to your mission. Every story matters, and every detail contributes to the larger picture. We’ve also learned that the power of storytelling is immense—it can inspire, educate, and bring people together in ways that few other things can.

What We Want the World to Know

At Home Is Distant Shores, we are dedicated to creating experiences that matter. We believe in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and unite people across all backgrounds. Our brand is built on the belief that through understanding and celebrating our differences, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic world. That’s the story we’re telling, one event at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Morning:

Start your day with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, exploring its extensive art collections and outdoor sculptures.
Late Morning:

Head over to Umstead State Park for a refreshing hike and a peaceful walk through nature.
Afternoon:

Drive to downtown Durham for lunch and stroll around the American Tobacco Campus, checking out local galleries and shops.
Afterward, visit the JC Raulston Arboretum for a relaxing afternoon among beautiful plants and flowers.
Evening:

Return to downtown Raleigh for an incredible dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants.
End the night with craft cocktails at a rooftop bar, soaking in the city views and vibrant atmosphere.
This itinerary packs in a mix of art, nature, culture, and great food, giving your friend a full taste of what Raleigh-Durham has to offer in just one day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to two of my key collaborators, who have been instrumental in shaping the journey of Home Is Distant Shores.

First, Sampada Agarwal, a passionate visual artist with over 18 years of experience mastering traditional Indian folk and tribal art. As a Certified Zentangle Teacher, Sampada has a remarkable talent for blending these rich, diverse styles into her unique creations. Her exceptional work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and shows, earning widespread acclaim. Beyond her artistic achievements, Sampada is deeply committed to community outreach and philanthropy. She has also expanded her artistic horizons into large-scale mural painting, bringing vibrant, transformative art to public spaces across Morrisville, Durham, and beyond.

Second, Ciata Kromah, originally from Liberia, is a dynamic and visionary image consultant and fashion designer. Ciata seamlessly blends her expertise in both the business and fashion industries to empower individuals through self-esteem and self-care. With a keen eye for style and an innate understanding of the transformative power of personal image, she curates bespoke wardrobes that enhance confidence and highlight individuality. Driven by a passion for uplifting others, Ciata uses her deep knowledge of the business world to guide professionals in projecting an image that exudes professionalism, competence, and charisma.

Their dedication, creativity, and passion have not only enriched our projects but have also deeply inspired me personally. I’m truly grateful for their contributions and proud to work alongside such talented individuals.

Website: https://homeisdistantshores.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeisdistantshores/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeIsDistantShores/

Other: https://filmfreeway.com/HomeIsDistantShores

Image Credits
Aby Rao // Home Is Distant Shores