Daily Inspiration: Meet Panta Mosleh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Panta Mosleh

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you so much for asking! My journey into the creative world has been such an incredible adventure, filled with unexpected twists and moments of growth. I actually began my career as an actor, which sparked my love for storytelling. Early on, I also worked in the camera department, which gave me firsthand insight into the technical side of filmmaking. From there, I transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles, starting as a production coordinator, then moving on to post-production coordinator, production manager on documentary series, and eventually producing indie features.

All of these experiences gave me a deep understanding of how every department contributes to bringing a project to life. When I finally stepped into directing, I realized how invaluable it was to have this broad knowledge of the filmmaking process. It allows me to collaborate effectively with every team on set and truly appreciate the work that goes into each frame. My acting background also makes me a better director, as I can communicate with performers in a way that helps them feel understood and supported. Similarly, working as a director has made me a more well-rounded actor, as I understand the broader vision of a story and how my role fits into it.

2024 has been a real turning point in my acting career—I’ve never been busier, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year. I’ve been part of some incredible projects, including So Help Me Todd, Firebug, The Promised Land, and the A24 film Eternity, where I worked alongside an amazing cast. I also voiced characters in animations like The Chosen Adventures and narrated the audiobook Hearty. To top it off, I wrapped up the year with a voice-over credit for a Star Wars game, which was a dream come true for me as a fan of the franchise.

On the directing side, 2024 has been equally monumental. I directed my first comedy special, Culture Shock Comedy Special, which was such a blast to create. I also completed my documentary feature, Pride & Prayer, a project that’s very close to my heart and will begin its festival run in 2025. Additionally, I directed the Hallmark movie Christmas with the Singhs, which was not only a joyful experience to make but was also named one of the best Christmas movies of the season by IndieWire. Seeing the film resonate with audiences and being written about in The Los Angeles Times has been such a rewarding milestone in my career.

Beyond the creative work, I’ve had the privilege of completing programs with Netflix’s Diversity of Voices Initiative, Amazon’s MGM Writing Program, the Reelworld Writing Program, the Reelworld WarnerMedia Access Producing Program, and the Warner Access Showrunner Bootcamp through BIPOC Film & TV. These programs have been instrumental in helping me hone my craft and connect with communities that champion underrepresented voices in the industry.

Looking back, it’s been a long road with plenty of challenges, but every step has brought me closer to where I want to be. My passion for storytelling and collaboration keeps me inspired, whether I’m acting, directing, or creating from the ground up. I’m grateful every day for the chance to share stories that connect with people and bring even a little joy to their lives.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—this industry is full of challenges, and I’ve faced my fair share of rejections along the way. Whether it’s applying to programs, auditioning for roles, or pitching myself as a director, every step of the journey has come with hurdles. Rejections can be tough, and they don’t always come with an explanation, which makes it easy to second-guess yourself. As a creative, you put so much of yourself into your work, and when opportunities don’t pan out, it can feel deeply personal.

On top of that, Hollywood hasn’t always been the most inclusive or friendly place for BIPOC creatives. When I started out, it was a lot harder to find opportunities as a Queer Middle Eastern woman—there were fewer roles, fewer doors opening for diverse stories, and fewer decision-makers willing to take a chance on someone who didn’t fit the mold. Things started to shift around 2016 (at least for me that is when it started), and I began to see the industry evolve in a more inclusive direction. Since then, it’s only gotten better, with more awareness and action toward creating space for underrepresented voices. That shift has made a world of difference for me and so many others.

What’s kept me going through all of this is my belief in the stories I want to tell and the impact I hope they’ll have. Every rejection has pushed me to work harder, refine my craft, and find new ways to grow. I’ve also come to realize that timing is everything in this industry—sometimes opportunities don’t happen right away because they aren’t meant to at that moment.

While the road hasn’t always been easy, staying resilient and focused on my goals has made the journey worthwhile. It’s these moments of struggle that make the successes even more meaningful. And as challenging as it can be, I truly love what I do, and that passion keeps me moving forward no matter what obstacles come my way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a director, writer, and actor, and I like to think of myself as a storyteller in every sense of the word. My work spans across genres and formats, but what ties it all together is my passion for creating authentic and engaging stories that resonate with audiences.

As a director, I’ve worked on TV movies for networks like Lifetime and Hallmark, as well as indie horror films, which hold a special place in my heart. Horror was one of my first loves as a filmmaker because it’s such a creative playground for suspense, visuals, and exploring deep, emotional themes. At the same time, I’m also deeply rooted in comedy. My background in comedy, including my training at the Groundlings School of Comedy in Los Angeles, has shaped how I approach my work, whether it’s finding the comedic beats in a script or using humor to add layers to dramatic moments.

I’m currently working on Pass the Salt, a half-hour comedy series for OUTtv and Hollywood Suite, with additional funding from Bell Media. The project is deeply personal to me, exploring themes of identity, culture, and love in a comedic yet heartfelt way. The show follows a traditionally raised queer Middle Eastern Muslim who navigates her first year at grad school and a budding romance with her Israeli-Jewish lesbian roommate. We’re in the process of putting together the writers’ room, and the series is scheduled to go to camera in summer 2025. We’re also actively seeking a local U.S. broadcaster or streaming partner to bring this series to even broader audiences. I’m so excited to bring this project to life and share its universal yet unique story with viewers.

Another recent highlight was directing Christmas with the Singhs, a Hallmark movie that brings a fresh perspective to the classic holiday rom-com. The film follows Asha Singh, a career-driven woman who teams up with a family friend, Jake, to save her parents’ struggling restaurant during the holiday season—only to find herself falling for him in the process. IndieWire named it one of the best Christmas movies of the season, and The Los Angeles Times wrote about it as well. Seeing the film resonate with audiences and receive such wonderful recognition has been a rewarding milestone in my career.

As an actor, 2024 has been a turning point for me, with standout roles in projects like So Help Me Todd, Firebug, The Promised Land, Eternity, and voice work for The Chosen Adventures, Hearty, and a Star Wars game. Being on both sides of the camera has given me a unique perspective—I understand what actors need to feel supported, and I know how to bring out their best performances. Similarly, acting has made me a better director because I understand what it’s like to be in their shoes.

What I’m most proud of is the variety of work I’ve been able to accomplish. From comedy specials like Culture Shock Comedy Special to my documentary feature Pride & Prayer, which will begin its festival run in 2025, I feel grateful to work across so many genres and platforms. Each project has allowed me to grow and learn, and I take pride in the fact that my stories often center diverse, underrepresented voices.

What sets me apart is my range and my ability to blend multiple perspectives into my work. My comedy background gives me a lighthearted edge, while my experience in indie horror lets me dive into darker, more visceral storytelling. And my technical background—having worked in production, post-production, and on-camera—gives me a holistic understanding of what it takes to bring a project to life. I strive to create stories that are entertaining, emotional, and, most importantly, reflective of the diverse world we live in.

Breaking into episodic television has always been a major goal of mine, and that’s one of the reasons I’m creating my own series, Pass the Salt. It’s not only a project I’m deeply passionate about but also a way to carve out my own space in the episodic world. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and to keep creating stories that resonate with audiences.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I think the industry will move toward telling more diverse and culturally rich stories. Audiences are craving narratives that showcase unique perspectives, and I hope to see more Middle Eastern stories and stories from other underrepresented cultures that highlight their beauty, traditions, and complexities. There’s so much untapped potential in these narratives, and they resonate universally when done right. I believe the next decade will be about finding ways to bring these voices into the mainstream.

Another exciting trend is the rise of vertical series, particularly with platforms like TikTok—or, if TikTok faces bans in the U.S., emerging platforms like Red Note, which is gaining traction globally. Shorter, highly engaging vertical content is becoming a new way to tell stories, especially for younger audiences. This format pushes creatives to be concise and innovative while still delivering meaningful narratives. I think we’ll see more creators experimenting with this, and it’s a space I’d love to explore further myself.

When it comes to filmmaking, I believe (and hope) we’ll see more focus on finding unique stories that can be told without massive budgets. A24 has set such a great example of this—bringing original, character-driven stories to audiences at a fraction of the cost of big studio blockbusters. Their approach proves that you don’t need endless resources to create something impactful, and I think this mindset will influence a lot of filmmakers moving forward. Personally, I admire A24’s slate of films so much and hope to be considered by them someday to direct one of their wonderful projects. It would be an absolute dream come true.

Lastly, I think audiences will continue to embrace global storytelling, with more cross-cultural collaborations and projects that don’t feel bound to one specific region or demographic. This opens the door for more filmmakers to bring authentic, localized stories to a global audience. Platforms are already bridging that gap, but I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

In short, I see the industry moving toward innovation, authenticity, and accessibility—both in the stories we tell and how we tell them. It’s an exciting time to be part of this space, and I’m looking forward to contributing to this new era of filmmaking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5625610/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pantamosleh/

Image Credits
“ShimonPhoto” – for the head shot type looks
“DGC Photos” – for the one in the studio with lights