Rayka Zehtabchi is a renowned Iranian-American director based in Los Angeles, boasting a remarkable career trajectory that has garnered her international recognition and acclaim.
Her directorial debut, the Iranian language short film Madaran, made a significant impact by winning Jury awards at top-tier film festivals and subsequently qualified for the 89th Academy Awards in 2016, a testament to her innate talent and dedication to her craft.
Fast forward to her Oscar-winning achievement at the 91st Academy Awards, where she took home the prestigious Best Documentary Short award for Period. End of Sentence., a poignant documentary that sheds light on the struggles of a group of village women in Northern India who embark on a mission to improve feminine hygiene and de-stigmatize menstruation by establishing a sanitary pad-making business.
In conjunction with the film's release, Rayka co-founded the non-profit organization "The Pad Project," a pioneering initiative that aims to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote improved feminine hygiene worldwide, thereby making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Throughout her body of work, Rayka has consistently demonstrated a passion for telling human stories that not only raise awareness about lesser-known social issues but also inspire tangible action. Whether through documentary or narrative filmmaking, she brings a naturalistic approach to her storytelling, striving for authenticity and intimacy on screen, thereby crafting cinematic experiences that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
