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 contributions to elevated horror, particularly the A24 films Hereditary and Midsommar. These films blend horror with dark comedy and graphic violence, establishing Aster as a prominent figure in the genre. He later shifted away from horror with Beau Is Afraid. He also co-founded the production company Square Peg with Lars Knudsen. His film Eddington premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: Film Studies at Santa Fe University

In 2004, Ari Aster began studying film at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design and wrote for the local Weekly Alibi arts magazine.

2008: Graduation and Short Film Debut

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

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2010: Acceptance to AFI Conservatory

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

2011: Initial Recognition

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

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2011: Release of The Strange Thing About the Johnsons

In 2011, Ari Aster wrote and directed the short psychological horror film 'The Strange Thing About the Johnsons'. It premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah on January 22nd before leaking online in November, where it went viral.

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2018: Continued Short Film Work

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

2018: Release of Hereditary

In 2018, Ari Aster gained recognition for writing and directing the feature film 'Hereditary', released by A24, making a name for himself as a filmmaker of elevated horror.

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2018: Release of Hereditary and Commercial Success

In 2018, Ari Aster made his feature-length directorial debut with 'Hereditary', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically on June 8. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $80 million and becoming A24's highest-grossing film worldwide.

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June 2019: Launch of Square Peg Production Company

In June 2019, Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen launched a new production company called Square Peg.

2019: Release of Midsommar

In 2019, Ari Aster wrote and directed 'Midsommar', which was released theatrically on July 3rd. The film received positive reviews, with praise for Aster's direction and Florence Pugh's performance.

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June 2020: Announcement of Next Film

In June 2020, Ari Aster announced that his next film would be a four-hour "nightmare comedy".

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: 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', with Nicolas Cage attached to star. The film would be produced by Square Peg.

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