Elika Rezaee, filmmaker, an accomplished editor, graduate of the American Film Institute with an MFA in editing, hails from Iran, a land rich in cultural heritage and artistic expression. Growing up in Iran, a society with a revered body of literature, art, cinema, and music, as well as a great diversity of ethnic identities and languages, provided fertile ground to nurture creativity, a unique aesthetic, and determination.

Elika has collaborated on numerous successful projects throughout her career. Her latest film, "Shayda," was acquired by Sony Pictures and won the Best Audience Award at Sundance 2023. It was also nominated in 7 categories at the ACCTA Awards. Rezaee’s films have been shown at festivals around the world such as Locarno, SXSW, Palm Springs, Melbourne, Busan, Directors Guild of America, and have been streamed on PBS, Amazon, and Apple. Rezaee has been a Karen Schmeer fellow.

Alongside her editing work, Elika has directed and written several short films, including Fereshteh, recognized at the New Jersey and Houston Film Festivals, and Balcony, a recipient of the ISF National Film Grant.

Recently, she served as a consultant on Adam Villa’s Yesteryear, contributing insights to the film's storytelling. Currently, she is editing a detective movie directed by Reza Ghasemi.

Elika's commitment to her craft and her dedication to nurturing emerging talent underscore her role as a guiding force in the world of cinema. Through her collaborative efforts and unwavering passion, she continues to shape narratives that captivate and inspire audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern filmmaking.

REELS

Awards

Bettiah International Film Festival

2023 Winner Best Foreign Short

Best Foreign Short 00:04:47'' TA...

New Jersey International Festival

2022 Winner Festival Award

Best Short Film Fereshteh

IBAFF International Film Festival

2012 Nominee IBAFF Award

Best Fiction Short Film Once Again Memories I Loved

Amarcort Film Festival

2022 Nominee Festival Award

"Fellini" Mention Fereshteh

London Seasonal Short Film Festival

2024 Winner Gold Medal

Best experimental 00:04:47'' TA...

WorldFest-Houston International Film Fest

2023 Winner Gold Remi Award

Shorts - Dramatic - Original Fereshteh

Indo French International Film Festival

2023 Winner Certificate of Achievement

Best Experimental Short Film 00:04:47'' TA...

Kortfilmfestivalen

2023 Nominee Jury Prize

Special Program section focusing on Iranian films Fereshteh