Afra Nariman

Film Producer | Programmer | Writer | Researcher

About

Background: Hi everyone, I’m Afra. I’m Iranian American and grew up in Los Angeles. I graduated from DePaul University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and am now working on earning my master’s degree in Film Studies at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. I graduate in May 2023 and am currently working on my master’s thesis, which is concerned with the topics of family and marriage in contemporary and classic Japanese cinema. I consider Iranian cinema an area of expertise as well.

Experience: I’ve conducted archival research at the AFI Catalog, as a part of the Women They Talk About initiative, which aimed to shed light on the important contributions of women in early Hollywood cinema. I’ve worked as a Features Programmer at the Newport Beach Film Festival. And of course, I author this blog where I post film reviews and analyses. I am eager for current and future opportunities in film production, documentary filmmaking, journalism/criticism, preservation/distribution, and education.

Interests: I’m an amateur photographer, interested mostly in street and nature photography. Right now, as you may have noticed from reading my reviews of certain Iranian Films as of late, my focus is on the current revolution happening in Iran, and doing what I can to spread awareness, educate, and support. Thus, my camera has primarily been aimed towards the mass protests occurring regularly throughout Southern California since the brutal murder of Mahsa Jina Amini on September 16, 2022. Some of my photos are featured below.

I am always open to new opportunities and work within the various film industries. If you want to chat about film or anything else, don’t hesitate in reaching out. Click on the link to my Linktree below to view my social medias and/or contact me.