Faculty & Mentors Overview
Sharon Media Academy's faculty brings together diverse media expertise, creating a comprehensive learning environment where students gain exposure to multiple facets of the industry. Our mentors represent various areas of the media ecosystem—from animation studios to television, from NGO communications to cultural content, from filmmaking to digital platforms.
Our students become proficient in integrating Artificial Intelligence throughout their coursework, assignments, and creative projects, elevating their portfolio standards and positioning themselves as skilled content creators.
Peter Christopher
Program Leader
Peter is a filmmaker and founder of RevelationBay Productions with over 20 years of experience creating films focused on social justice and transformation. His short film "The Voiceless" received a Special Mention Award at the Indian World Film Festival, while "Stolen Prayers," a fictional film inspired by true life about a migrant family affected during the lockdown in India, garnered critical acclaim and public appreciation.
Peter's key achievement in recent years is launching EDUPIER (www.edupier.tv) —acomprehensive video-based value and life skills curriculum featuring 90+ films for school children through short films, MIME, illustrations, and other studio productions that are engaging, creative, thought-provoking life lessons challenging teens to lead a purposeful life.
His extensive work with organizations including International Justice Mission, Varthana, Help a Child of India, Freedom Project, and many more has established him as a reliable filmmaker. Several of his films for NGOs have served as platforms for dialogue, strategic action planning, and policy influence with government departments in Karnataka.
He has conducted workshops and guest lectures at institutions including National School of Journalism, Lady Doak College, and Holy Cross College Trichy, bringing both creative excellence and educational expertise to Sharon Media Academy.
Jacob Cheriyan
Director, Culture Unravelled
Jacob Cheriyan is the Director of Culture Unraveled, a project that explores the deeper stories and worldviews embedded within contemporary culture. Through engagement with films, music, literature, social media, and current events, he helps people think critically about culture and uncover the ideas that shape our world.
Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Jacob later studied theology at SAIACS, Bengaluru, and completed theological studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He has spoken and taught widely across universities, and professional forums, helping people engage culture with depth and thoughtful reflection.
As a tutor, Jacob is passionate about helping students understand the stories that shape our lives, identities, and societies.
Geo.C.Varghese
Filmmaker & Narrative Designer
Geo Varghese is a filmmaker, educator, and cultural commentator whose work explores the intersection of film, philosophy and public life. With an academic journey spanning Engineering and Public Policy, he brings an interdisciplinary perspective to storytelling and film education.
After several years of teaching and mentoring students in higher education, he joined the Culture Unravelled project, where he creates video essays and podcasts that interpret cinema through the lens of moral and political philosophy.
Deeply interested in questions of relationality, trust and identity, Geo's creative and educational work seeks to build bridges across disciplines. He directed Home of Butterflies, a documentary that emerged from a collaborative effort involving students of St Joseph’s College of Law and was selected for grants and public screening at Bangalore International Centre. He has also conceptualised and led initiatives such as The Rabbit Room creativity retreat and Culture Lab, creating spaces for reflection, dialogue, and creative collaboration.
At Sharon Media Academy, Geo teaches Narrative Design, the Craft of Cinema, and Visual Storytelling. Drawing from world cinema, philosophy and popular culture, his classes explore narrative structure, cinematic language, and the relationship between form and meaning.
His pedagogy blends cultural exegesis with creative practice, encouraging students to cultivate both technical excellence and moral imagination. Committed to relationality in teaching and mentoring, he seeks to create learning environments that integrate the head, heart, and hand.
Ben Joshua
Documentary Filmmaker & Writer
Ben Joshua is a filmmaker, writer, and storyteller with a deep love for cinema and its power to shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. He believes every student possesses a unique creative spark, and seeks to both awaken that potential and equip aspiring storytellers with the practical tools needed to bring their ideas to life through meaningful and impactful stories.
Over the past five years, he has worked across film, digital media, and cultural commentary, combining creative storytelling with thoughtful analysis of contemporary culture.
He began his career at CV, a Bangalore-based media company, where he was involved in every stage of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and casting to production, directing, and editing. He has produced both short films and documentaries, overseeing all phases of pre-production, production, and post-production. These experiences cultivated not only his skills and knowledge, but also his belief in cinema as a powerful medium for communicating ideas, fostering empathy, and inspiring change.
Alongside filmmaking, Ben has spent the past five years writing and creating content for Culture Unraveled, a social media company focused on engaging with the deeper themes embedded within culture. His role includes producing video essays, articles, long and short-form media exploring cinema, literature, politics, philosophy, technology, current events, and broader cultural trends.
Passionate about helping others discover the power of storytelling, he has led workshops and delivered talks on cinema and narrative craft, and seeks to inspire others and equip them with the required skills, knowledge, experiences & tools to be able to create the best possible version of their ideas.
Wilson Paul
Creative Designer
.jpeg)
Wilson E Paul is more than a designer; he is a visionary whose artistry has shaped the visual narrative of Tamil gospel media for decades. With over 30 years of mastery rooted in advertising, he seamlessly blends strategy, storytelling, and design into every creation.
As a graphic designer, creative director, and writer, Wilson crafts transformative experiences across branding, logos, set and interior concepts, book and album covers, and social media campaigns. His works serve global ministries, NGOs, leading musicians, and concert productions, radiating clarity, elegance, and cultural relevance.
Renowned for distilling profound truths into evocative visuals, he designs with poetic precision that stirs hearts and calls forth purpose. A mentor to many, Wilson leads as the creative head of multiple media productions, forging new paths in meaningful communication. His multi-dimensional gifts make him a trusted name, empowering visions to emerge as timeless, impactful designs.
He will be bringing a unique and fresh perspective on the theme of Restorative Justice in today's world, and the role of Arts and Media.
Dr. Jishya
Digital Marketing Expert
Dr. Jishya is a Digital Marketing Strategist, Student Career Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Founder of Soul Spring Digital. With a PhD in Digital Marketing specializing in Consumer Psychology in Online Shopping, she combines academic excellence with real-world industry experience to help individuals and organizations thrive in the digital age.
Over the years, she has worked with globally recognized organizations and brands including GOD TV Asia, Our Daily Bread (ODB), Toastmasters International, GO Movement, Campus Crusade, Essar Logistics, and several educational institutions and nonprofits. Her expertise spans digital marketing strategy, social media management, consumer behavior, personal branding, content marketing, and online audience engagement. Through her work, she has helped generate over 100,000 interactions in a single campaign year, enabling brands to expand their reach and impact.
A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Jishya has trained and empowered more than 70,000 students, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring creators through workshops, conferences, faculty development programs, career guidance sessions, and digital marketing training initiatives across India.
She is a sought-after guest lecturer and speaker who has addressed audiences at reputed schools, colleges, universities, and professional forums on topics including digital marketing, career development, communication, leadership, personal branding, entrepreneurship, and emerging digital trends.
As a Student Career Coach, she is committed to helping young people discover their strengths, make informed career decisions, and develop future-ready skills. Driven by a vision to impact one million lives, Dr. Jishya continues to inspire individuals and organizations to leverage digital platforms for meaningful growth, innovation, and long-term success.
Praveen Chrispugg
Creative Director, Idea Heavens
Praveen Chrispugg, Creative Director of Idea Heavens, is qualified in Fine Arts, Design, and Animation. He holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Fine Arts (with distinction) in painting from the renowned Government College of Fine Art, Tamil Nadu, and an MA in Visual Communication in Animation from Birmingham City University, UK (with distinction). A prestigious British Chevening Scholar (2003), Praveen received the 'Nesta' Young British Entrepreneur Award in 2007 for his innovative business ideas in the mobile media arena in the UK.
His passion for his country brought him back to India, where he established his studio, Idea Heavens, in Chennai in 2008. Since then, he has partnered on various projects for corporates including Stanley Tools, TVS, Caterpillar, Kubota, TNPCB, Enabl Engineering, Ministry of Coastal Affairs, India NCSCM, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Shobiz Entertainment Ltd, Media Serve Sweden, She is Safe US, Nissan, Murugappa Group (Cumi), Bishop Heber College, Lion Bridge, Rotary Club, ESAF Bank, Gonature, Efficor, KevinKare, KVB, Randstad, and many other clients.
He also supports several media colleges including Loyola, Don Bosco, Image College of Art & Design, AAG, and Brilla Institute (Noida) as a consultant. He has currently developed a creative curriculum for children that is sense-based, through a partnership firm called Creative Rootz. Praveen has developed a wide range of short films that have been awarded and screened at various international film festivals. There is always a deep message in his work, as most of his creations effortlessly gain recognition and screening at film festivals worldwide.
Kalpana Vincent
Communications Specialist
.jpeg)
Kalpana is a Social and Behaviour Change Expert with 20 years of experience in designing and delivering social impact strategies, campaigns and interventions across various sectors, including child protection, gender equality, public health, anti-trafficking, education and social policy.
Firmly grounded in behavioural science, she translates behavioural insights to inform message framing, narrative development, people-centric storytelling, and the creation of compelling narratives and creative content that address complex development and humanitarian challenges. She has worked for different geographies as a television journalist, in-house communications practitioner and consultant, and her breadth of experience includes working for UNICEF, WHO, USAID, ILO, Global Fund to End Slavery, Humanity & Inclusion, national and international NGOs, social impact organisations, businesses, communication agencies and media houses in Asia, Europe, Africa and Americas.
Kalpana is the Founder of Kaliru Communications, a social and behaviour change agency that harnesses the power of people-centric storytelling, participatory design and strategic advocacy to drive systemic impact.
She earned her Master’s in Communications and Journalism degree and Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication. Her specialist qualifications include Applied Behavioural Science, Digital Communications and Strategic Communications for Social Impact.
S. Michael Raj
Writer & Independent Filmmaker
.jpeg)
S. Michael Raj is a screenwriter and independent filmmaker with a unique cross-cultural perspective on cinema. Trained by distinguished mentors including Donald Leow (Director/Producer, StoneTable Films, USA), John Edathattil (screenwriter of acclaimed films "Guna" and "Jillunu Oru Kaadhal"), and Chezhiyan (cinematographer and coach at The Film School), Michael bridges Hollywood and mainstream Indian cinema with equal fluency.
With a Master's in Commerce and advanced certifications in writing and filmmaking, Michael brings both business understanding and creative expertise to his projects. His doctoral thesis on "Social Media and Youth" presented to Dayspring University, USA, reflects his deep understanding of contemporary storytelling mediums and audience engagement.
Michael's hands-on experience spans both industries—from a month-long internship with StoneTable Films during the production of "Once Upon a Time in Vietnam" to collaborating with four Chennai directors on screenplay development. Currently, he's crafting his debut feature film screenplay for a 2026 release.
R.S. Ashok Subramaniam
Actor
Ashok is a versatile Tamil actor whose career spans stage, television, and independent filmmaking. With a foundation in commercial theater, he has delivered compelling performances across major stage productions, mastering both live dialogue delivery and the technical precision required for pre-recorded work, including complex lip-syncing and timing challenges.
His television presence includes popular Tamil serials on Sun TV ("Lakshmi," "Kannana Kanne") and Zee Tamil's "Sembaruthi," where his portrayal of the wise elderly Guruji character showcased his range as a character actor, establishing him as a reliable performer capable of bringing authenticity to diverse roles.
Beyond acting, Ashok has embraced filmmaking as a creative outlet, writing, directing, and starring in multiple short films. His most distinctive project documented the search for traditional herbs across Chennai and Salem, blending storytelling with cultural preservation. Ashok's multifaceted approach—combining theatrical training, television experience, and independent filmmaking—reflects a deep understanding across different mediums. His work demonstrates technical proficiency and genuine interest in stories that connect with Tamil culture, making him a distinctive voice in regional entertainment.
Jad Jeno
Anchor / Host / Content Creator
Jad Jeno is a professional anchor with extensive experience in hosting shows and conducting interviews with celebrities. He works as a cricket commentator and regularly shares insights and updates on current affairs for News Tamil 24x7 channel. With a strong background in sports knowledge, he is actively involved in digital media.
He is a well-known content creator for YouTube and manages the popular page Gen Z Chennai, which also has a significant presence on Instagram. As an Instagram influencer with a substantial following, he continues to stay active and engaged across multiple platforms.
At Sharon Media Academy, Jad Jeno guides students through the fundamentals of professional hosting, from overcoming camera anxiety to conducting captivating celebrity interviews. He shares real-world techniques for building audience engagement, growing social media followings organically, and creating content that resonates with viewers. Students learn his proven methods for developing their unique voice, maintaining consistent online presence, and leveraging digital platforms to build successful media careers.
Habiba Begum
Artist
.jpeg)
Habiba Begum is a Chennai-based lens artist who uses visual storytelling for personal transformation and social change. Through her organization The Expressive Lens, she develops curricula that blend photography skills with emotional well-being, teaching students from government schools to institutions like the American International School.
As a core team member of CPB Prism (Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation's education wing), she has led teacher training programs across Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu through Ashok Leyland's CSR initiative and pioneered visual arts programs for hearing-impaired students with Arise + Tech Mahindra.
Her teaching spans undergraduate courses at Dr. MGR Janaki College and MGR Government Film and Television Institute. Student works under her guidance have been featured at Chennai Photo Biennale Edition 4 and Egmore Museum.
As a documentary filmmaker, Habiba was commissioned by Goethe-Institut to create The Female Legacy, a series on women artists. She documented the 'Art in Prison' program at Puzhal Prison and was invited as a panelist at India Art Fair to discuss innovative arts education approaches.
Sujit Somarajan
Efx / Animation in Films
Sujit Somarajan is an experienced character animator with over 17 years in the animation industry, having contributed to acclaimed international projects including Spirit Riding Free, Fast & Furious Spy Racers, The Croods Family Tree, Star Trek: Prodigy, The Jungle Book, and The Rugrats Reboot.
Through his work at renowned studios including Mikros Animation, Xentrix Studios, Technicolor, and DQ Entertainment, he has developed a strong foundation in storytelling, character performance, and team leadership—mentoring animators and leading teams to deliver high-quality, emotionally engaging animation.
He brings a deep understanding of acting, body mechanics, and cinematic storytelling to every project, combining technical expertise with creative vision to create characters that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Rex Clement
Media Pioneer | Consultant
