Bold indie films. Darkly comedic. Peculiar yet human!
POLYMATH HOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Polymath House Productions creates bold, independent cinematic experiences. Dedicated to telling never-before-seen stories, we embrace the weird and peculiar, finding humour in the absurdities of real-life situations. Our narratives delve into unconventional group dynamics and offer perspectives that champion the outsider.
Founded by interdisciplinary artist Darren McStay, the company is a collaboration of professional artists and entrepreneurs united by a passion for narrative storytelling.
Our first two short films received multiple awards on the international festival circuit, and the company’s debut feature film, To Thy Rest, has been acquired by Hollywood sales agency DuBow Media Distribution and is set for release in 2025.
With a slate of films already in development, Polymath House Productions is committed to supporting and championing the true essence of independent cinema. In an era where funding for the creative arts has been drastically cut, we fight for cinema worth watching. Our character-driven stories are poised to reach international audiences in the coming years.
MEET THE TEAM
Darren McStay
Darren, the driving force behind Polymath House Productions embodies an eclectic journey through the arts.
With a foundation in graphic design, fine art, and music, he took a leap into acting, earning a Master's Degree in 2011. His acting career in TV, film, and theatre coincided with a decade of scriptwriting and content creation, paving the way for his steady transition into filmmaking.
Uniting his diverse talents, Darren found his niche as a filmmaker, blending his graphic design finesse, artistic sensibilities, and musical soul into character-driven stories told with humour and empathy for the human condition.
Recognising the power of collaboration, Darren has curated a core team of visual storytellers at Polymath House Productions, where talents intertwine to create captivating films.
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER
Mya Rydman
Mya defines her creative output as "Minimalistic colour explosions with a twist to kick you in the nuts".
Whether it's to save the planet, change mindsets, or just make one person smile, Mya's ability to affect an audience through her knowledge of style and design is intelligent, effective and quite simply beautiful.
As Head of Art direction, Mya manages the Art & Production design teams to ensure the style, tone and visual aesthetic meet congruously for the most crucial facet of filmmaking... the story.
Mya currently holds an impressive role as Senior Art Director at The LEGO Group and works with the Global Brand Marketing.
As well as LEGO, Mya's client portfolio includes other global and local clients, including Finnair, OPPO Mobile, The Absolut Company, Danone, Burger King and many more. More about Mya’s work at mya.fi.
HEAD OF ART DIRECTION
Johannes Ahonen
Johannes Ahonen is a passionate filmmaker, driven and dedicated by his motto, "It's all about the story".
Since 2018, Johannes has been the creative mind behind several thought-provoking documentaries, captivating TV commercials and other successful productions. He continues collaborating with well-known artists, brands and commercial organisations in Finland.
Though Johannes has many directing credits, his primary areas of expertise are cinematography, editing, and colour grading.
He has produced music videos, narrative films, documentaries and a host of other visually encapsulating works under his company, Mungo Films. Visit mungo.fi to learn more.