Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Raasikh.
Hi Nia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After graduating, I landed a job at an entertainment agency. I had freelanced before, but this was a different beast. Fast-paced and chaotic. However, I quickly realized how much I loved being in this industry. I’ve always had a passion for film, but the more years I worked on major campaigns for films and TV shows, the stronger the pull became to create my own stories. I was born and raised in California, and one of the best parts of living in LA is being surrounded by people who are chasing the same dreams. I just love the collaborative air of the city. Before I knew it, I was connecting with friends and collaborators who wanted to tell stories too, and together we built <i>Girl Dinner</i>. <i>Girl Dinner</i> is a dark comedy about a girl who accidentally kills her boyfriend and enlists her estranged friends to help hide the body. This short means a lot to me because it captures the beautiful yet messy dynamics of female friendships. Writing it has been incredible, and I’m looking forward to bringing it to life as a director.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but honestly, who has one? Maybe nepo babies. But I imagine that sentiment is shared by anyone trying to make something of themselves. The entertainment industry is ruthless, but it comes with the territory, and I think that’s also what makes it exciting. It’s a storm that people, myself included, willingly walk into because of our passion. I still don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve learned to be okay with that. At this point, I don’t care how bumpy the road gets as long as I’m still moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work at an entertainment agency and have been privileged to help produce campaigns for <i>Sinners</i>, <i>Oppenheimer</i>, <i>Barbie</i>, and more. But right now, I’m most excited and proud of <i>Girl Dinner.</i> Co-directing this with my friend Anika and writing alongside our co-writer Javier is a rewarding experience. There’s something special about building a project from the ground up and seeing it materialize. I’m so pumped to shoot this winter and can’t wait to bring characters who have lived in my head for years to life.
I’ve always been drawn to creating stories that explore the dynamics of different relationships in a chaotic way. It will probably be a recurring theme throughout my creative career. The concept of taking everyday people and throwing them into insane situations is very fascinating to me. However, I want the things I work on to feel anchored to reality and grounded, and I think that reflects who I am, always striving to bring authenticity into everything I do.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t know how surprising it is, but I love 70s music, specifically Fleetwood Mac. They’re without a doubt one of the best bands to ever grace this Earth, and I stand by that. The music, the heartbreak, the strife… obsessed. You couldn’t write a better story. Maybe one day I’ll explore that dynamic, but set in modern day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seedandspark.com/fund/girl-dinner
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girldinner.short
