Ara enjoyed the perfect childhood upbringing, attending an urban Toronto elementary school that encouraged diversity. At a young age he showed a natural aptitude in the creative arts. In middle school, he began filming short films on the family camcorder.
At the age of 15, Ara watched Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' for the first time. It was after this experience that he realized his ultimate goal was to earn a living writing and directing films. He graduated with a degree in Communication from Michigan State University.