Areeb Hashmi graduated in Economics from the University of Pune in 2006 and moved to Mumbai in order to pursue his filmmaking dreams. He worked as an Assistant Producer on various commercial projects but he was always drawn towards making documentary films, working on subjects that really matter. He got his chance when he was selected by Greenpeace International to set up and run their video production unit in India. Areeb worked with Greenpeace for about 3 years. The films he made during his tenure were picked up by international media houses including the BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and The New York Times. Areeb further worked with Video Volunteers and WaterAid UK before starting to work independently and taking up projects from various international organizations like Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Wild Fund (WWF) and many others. Working as a freelancer, gave him more time to pursue the stories that he really wanted to make films about. Gangnauli – Life in chocked desolation is a film that he made from the funds received for his freelancing work, it was an official selection at CMS Vatavaran International Environment & Wildlife Film Festival 2017. This self-funded project is an example that if someone wants to make a film, money cannot be an issue. What is important is the will to do it. In 2017, Areeb was selected to pursue his masters degree in Europe. He is currently pursuing DOC NOMADS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) in Documentary Film Directing (2017-19). He is currently pursuing his third semester at Hogeschool Sint-Lukas Brussel, Belgium.