About me
Rayan Farzad is an award-winning Iranian-American writer and director based in Los Angeles. A graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory, he was the only director in his class selected to direct two thesis films with a combined budget exceeding $120,000. His work explores themes of identity, displacement, morality, and human behavior under pressure.
His films and screenplays have been recognized by major industry programs, including the Nicholl Fellowship, The Black List, and ScreenCraft. His latest short film, Crimson, is currently screening at festivals worldwide.
For over three years, Rayan worked closely with two-time Academy Award winner Asghar Farhadi as a creative collaborator and protégé. He has also taught directing and visual storytelling at Chapman University and mentored emerging filmmakers throughout Southern California. Fluent in English and Persian, he brings a distinct cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling.