DIRECTOR, WRITER, ACTRESS, PRODUCER, CASTING DIRECTOR

Rafiah Shiraz

I am a New York City-based filmmaker, studying Film and Television at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. I create and collaborate on bold, character-driven stories that explore identity, culture, and coming-of-age journeys, bringing emotional honesty and narrative innovation to every project.

I have worked as a director, writer, producer, casting director, and assistant director, gaining hands-on experience guiding projects from development through execution. I also leverage social media for promotional purposes with a particular focus on stories centered on identity and the South Asian diaspora, exploring its intersections with the Western world.

Growing up in suburban Long Island, New York, I would spend most of my days on the LIRR and in Manhattan, whether for an audition, an acting class, or writing workshops. I grew up acting and writing as a medium of expression for feelings and experiences, which informs the approach I take through directing.

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Directed/ Written/ Produced Films

Small World, Short Film 2026

The story follows Raya, a South Asian woman, on her way to reconnect with her cheating ex, when her mother is following her to pull her away from her bisexuality due to cultural guilt.

CURRENTLY IN POST PRODUCTION

Tensile Strength, Short Film 2025

A young Pakistani woman grapples with a difficult job market post-grad and tough financial pressures from her father and is hit by a tough reality of the American Dream.

LINK TO MOVIE

Big Apple Film Festival, 2025

Brooklyn International Film Festival, 2025

Women's Independent Television & Film Festival, 2025

SoCal Film Awards, 2025

NYU New Visions and Voices, 2025

FESTIVALS

INTENT

Focus on identity-based stories

Evoke emotion from an audience, perhaps change a perspective

Diversify the American media in relation to the South Asian diaspora

Director, Writer/ Casting Director

2025, August

Casted via Breakdown Express, Backstage, and did a deep social media dive to find our lead.

Won Best Performance Award in New Visions & Voices NYU Festival 2025

Casting Work

As a casting director/ producer, I look for authenticity in terms of fitting a role. Growing up as an actor has informed me as a casting person as well.

For inquiries for castings, email rafiahshiraz444@gmail.com

Casting Producer

2026, April

Directed by Mimi Tran

Hair Salon East Village Commercial

Casting via Tiktok and Street casting

Casting Director

2025, October

Traditions, NYU Thesis Short Film directed by Tarun Anupindi

Casted via Backstage, Breakdown Express

2026, March

Held a social media campaign via TikTok and the Actors Access

Got 50+ extras via social media casting