Career Timeline of Ari Aster: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Ari Aster, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ari Aster is an American filmmaker known for his unsettling horror films, often blending dark comedy and graphic violence. He gained prominence for directing Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), and Beau Is Afraid (2023), all distributed by A24. Aster's work is characterized by its disturbing themes and distinctive visual style, solidifying his place in contemporary horror cinema. He also co-founded the production company Square Peg with Lars Knudsen in 2018.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Studying Film at Santa Fe University of Art and Design

In 2004, Ari Aster began studying film at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, where he started making short films and writing for the Weekly Alibi arts magazine.

2008: Graduation and Short Film Debut

In 2008, Ari Aster graduated and debuted as the writer and director of the short film 'Tale of Two Tims', which he submitted to the American Film Institute (AFI).

2010: Acceptance into AFI Conservatory's Graduate Program

In 2010, Ari Aster was accepted into the 2010 class of fellows at the AFI Conservatory's graduate program, where he earned an MFA with a focus in directing.

2011: Recognition for 'The Strange Thing About the Johnsons'

In 2011, Ari Aster received initial recognition for his short film, 'The Strange Thing About the Johnsons'.

2018: Short Films Between 2011 and 2018

Between 2011 and 2018, after graduating from the AFI Conservatory, Ari Aster wrote and directed several short films, often collaborating with Alejandro de Leon and Pawel Pogorzelski.

2018: Directorial Debut with 'Hereditary'

In 2018, Ari Aster made his feature-length directorial debut by writing and directing the supernatural horror film 'Hereditary', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and became A24's highest-grossing film worldwide.

2018: Release of 'Hereditary' and Founding of Square Peg

In 2018, Ari Aster wrote and directed 'Hereditary', which was released by A24. He also co-founded the production company Square Peg with Lars Knudsen.

June 2019: Launch of Square Peg Production Company

In June 2019, Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen announced the launch of their new production company called Square Peg.

2019: Release of 'Midsommar'

In 2019, Ari Aster wrote and directed 'Midsommar', which was released by A24.

June 2020: Aster's next film announced as a 'nightmare comedy'

In June 2020, Ari Aster announced that his next film would be a 'nightmare comedy' lasting four hours.

February 2021: Announcement of 'Beau Is Afraid'

In February 2021, A24 announced that Ari Aster would write and direct 'Beau Is Afraid' as their third partnership.

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2021: Signing First-Look TV Deal with A24

In 2021, Ari Aster signed a first-look TV deal with A24.

August 2022: Producing 'Dream Scenario'

In August 2022, it was announced that Ari Aster would reteam with A24 to produce Kristoffer Borgli's third feature film 'Dream Scenario', starring Nicolas Cage.

2023: Release of 'Beau Is Afraid'

In 2023, 'Beau Is Afraid', written and directed by Ari Aster, was released in theaters. It received positive reviews, but it was not a commercial success.

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