About

I’m Ashni Lakhani,
an award-winning Director, Development Producer and Journalist working across documentary, factual and branded storytelling.

I make ambitious, human-led films, from investigations for the BBC to cinematic branded films and international productions.

My work has taken me undercover, behind closed doors and across the world, always looking for extraordinary access and the human story at the heart of a bigger idea.

My background is in journalism and documentary, and I bring that same curiosity, editorial rigour and instinct for people to everything I make.

My Story

STORIES, WHEREVER THEY TAKE ME.

I spent eight years at the BBC, starting in original journalism, investigations for news and social media, before moving into documentaries. I went on to direct films for BBC Three and BBC Panorama, often tackling difficult subjects through intimate access, undercover filming and contributor-led storytelling.

That work has been recognised with Young Journalist of the Year, a BBC News Award, nominations at the Asian Media Awards, Digital Current Affairs Awards, and selection for BAFTA Connect.

Since going freelance, my work has taken me much further afield. I've directed and produced across the UK, Middle East and internationally, moving between broadcast documentaries, cinematic branded films, sport, development and major live productions

The subject can change completely. What interests me doesn't: people, access, untold stories and finding the human way into a big idea.

I'm as comfortable developing an idea from a blank page as I am sitting across from a contributor in an intimate interview, directing on location, or running a complex international shoot.

WHAT I DO

DIRECT

Documentary · Factual · Branded

Contributor-led storytelling, interviews, self-shooting and international productions.

DEVELOP

Ideas · Research · Access

Turning complex subjects into compelling concepts, treatments and films.

PRODUCE

Editorial · International · Live

Leading ambitious productions from first idea through shoot and edit.

SELECTED CLIENTS

  • “High impact journalism of the highest order.”

    — BBC News Awards

  • “Her work consistently demonstrates creativity, professionalism and the ability to deliver content of the highest standard.”

    — Editor, Bloomberg Media Studios

  • "Her ability to move seamlessly between roles elevates the creative and technical standard of every project.”

    — Executive Producer, Boomtown Productions