january 28th, 2026. rishan receives the regional scholastic gold key in film from the national alliance of young artists and writers.

november 24th, 2025. rishan is named a 2026 youngarts award winner for film/narrative. he is one of 28 students nationally to win the award.

april 15th, 2025. rishan receives the 2025 superior award from the bay area creative youth foundation. he is the only film winner to receive this prize.

january 9th, 2025. rishan receives first prize in narrative at the philadelphia youth film festival.

october 18th, 2024. rishan is named runner up for the youth film prize at austin film festival.

october 20th, 2024. rishan sathiyaa is nominated for the maverick prize at the all-american high school film festival. this award honors youth paving a new style of filmmaking.

“[rishan’s filmmaking] had a mythic quality on an intimate level, feeling both cinematic and grounded. The writing and craft were excellent without feeling derivative. [his work] stuck in our minds in the weeks after reviewing it and gave much to reflect upon.” – judges at Philadelphia youth film festival

“This is disturbing and unique filmmaking. Very sophisticated storytelling for a high school filmmaker. Rishan has a real voice and ability to evoke emotion. Very evocative and original.” – james v. hart (writer,Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula)

“Rishan produced a movie on a Saturday and Sunday. Now they call it the ‘weekend'” – anonymous

“[Rishan] has a strong understanding of relationships and how to communicate them effectively on-screen and I’m excited to see how they develop those skills.” – judges at the bay area creative youth foundation