Kurush Mistry’s professional journey is a testament to versatility and adaptability across different industries. Initially establishing himself in the oil analysis sector, Mistry demonstrated exceptional analytical capabilities before unexpectedly pivoting into film production during the 2008 financial crisis.
In his primary career, Mistry built a substantial reputation in oil analytics, starting at Morgan Stanley in 2009, where he developed analytics capabilities for gasoline and diesel teams. His expertise expanded during a nine-year tenure at Freepoint Commodities, where he served as the company’s principal oil analyst. Kurush Mistry’s comprehensive understanding of oil markets, refinery operations, and supply-demand dynamics made him an invaluable resource for over 25 traders.
However, his venture into film production revealed another dimension of his capabilities. What began as a seemingly straightforward investment opportunity evolved into a deeply immersive experience in movie making. The film, centered around four young South-Asian professionals in New York, explored themes of cross-cultural dating, traditional values versus liberal thinking, and urban dowry practices.
As the production progressed, Kurush Mistry became increasingly involved in various aspects of filmmaking, extending far beyond his initial role as an investor. He participated in script rewrites, managed budgetary concerns, and handled dispute resolutions with actors. The experience proved particularly challenging as the project’s scope expanded, requiring a shift from ultra-low-budget financing to a crowd-sourced approach.
The production faced obstacles typical of first-time filmmakers: location uncertainties, unexpected costs, union disputes, and constant script revisions. Despite these challenges, Mistry embraced the creative aspects of production, even co-composing a song for the film. His background in structured corporate environments made the unstructured nature of film production both challenging and enlightening.
Though the film’s commercial performance fell short of expectations, mainly due to marketing challenges and the absence of star power, the experience provided valuable insights. Looking back, Kurush Mistry acknowledges the importance of having experienced personnel, understanding union regulations, and being prepared for the complex interpersonal dynamics inherent in film production.
This venture represented a significant departure from his analytical background in oil markets, where he analyzed major events like the Fukushima disaster, IMO2020 regulations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oil markets. The contrast between these two worlds—the structured environment of oil analysis and the creative chaos of film production—highlights Mistry’s ability to adapt and thrive in diverse professional contexts.
The experience taught him valuable lessons about managing expectations, recognizing intangible returns, and maintaining flexibility in unfamiliar territories. While the film may not have achieved commercial success, it is a testament to Mistry’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges in pursuing creative expression.
