About Aref Vakili:
Storyteller. Visionary. Collaborator.
Stories are my lifeblood. I weave them through captivating documentaries, suspenseful short films, and visually-driven content for institutions and brands. Awards are a nod to the craft (think prestigious film festivals!), but sparking conversations and making a difference fuels my passion. My journey's unique. Before film, I managed international book fairs, honing my communication and storytelling skills (who knew?). Now, I combine those strengths with filmmaking expertise (cameras, editing software, the whole kit) to create impactful projects. Teamwork, laser-sharp deadlines, and an eagle eye for detail are my trademarks. A constant challenger, I push storytelling boundaries, explore the world through film, and leave audiences entertained and institutions shining.
About Me
(filmmaker edition!)
Stories are my jam. Whether it's capturing the real world through documentaries, bringing fictional narratives to life in short films, or crafting compelling content for cool institutions and brands, I'm all in.
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Exploring the Real Deal: I love diving deep into real-life issues and crafting documentaries that spark conversations and make people think. Awards at festivals like BAFTA Student Awards and Grierson Doc are a huge bonus, but seeing my films spark discussions and inspire change is what truly gets me going.
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Short Film Magic: Documentaries aren't the only place you'll find me. I also love turning ideas into short films that grab the audience's attention. Think suspenseful plots, well-developed characters (thanks to my scriptwriting skills!), and the satisfaction of seeing a story come to life on screen.
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Showcasing the Awesome: My filmmaking skills aren't just for social issues and fictional worlds. I also help institutions and brands tell their stories in a visually engaging way. Remember those international book fair gigs? They honed my communication skills, allowing me to understand brand identity and translate it into captivating narratives.
Before the Reels:
Believe it or not, filmmaking wasn't always my thing. I actually started my career managing international book fairs - talk about a different scene! But those experiences equipped me with some seriously awesome communication and storytelling skills, which now come in super handy in my filmmaking adventures.
My Skills Arsenal:
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I can handle the technical stuff: filmmaking, cinematography, editing software (hello Adobe Premiere Pro and Audition!), various camera setups (Canon, Panasonic, Sony, you name it), and audio recording equipment.
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Soft skills are my secret weapon: project management, communication, collaboration (because teamwork makes the dream work!), leadership, meeting deadlines like a boss, and an eagle eye for detail.
Looking Ahead:
I'm a team player who thrives in fast-paced environments. I'm always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of storytelling and use film to explore the world, entertain audiences, and help institutions and brands shine.