Syed AsadRaza Abidi

Born on December 9, 2001 in Karachi, Pakistan, Syed Asad Raza Abidi is an independent filmmaker, director, producer, editor, colorist, and the founder of Cinegma Films LLC. He holds a BS in Film & TV Production from Indus University, Karachi (2025), where his passion for storytelling was refined into a precision craft across years of hands-on production. Part of the new wave of Pakistani independent filmmakers shaping modern cinema, his films often explore human psychology, moral conflict, and social realism — all with a cinematic style that feels personal and immersive.

He founded Cinegma Films in early 2024 — an independent production banner built on an uncompromising creative vision. The name is a deliberate fusion of Cinema and Enigma, the two words that define his approach to layered, psychologically rich storytelling. His debut short film, Janjaal (Tussle), became one of the most decorated Pakistani short films in recent memory: shot in just 34 hours across Karachi, then directed, edited, color graded, VFX supervised, and mixed entirely in-house for a 5.1 surround theatrical premiere at Arena Cinemas, Karachi in January 2025. It went on to win 14 international awards and 22 festival selections across 9 countries, with his work screening in Pakistan, India, Turkey, Canada, the USA, Europe, Iran, and Spain.

Beyond Janjaal, Asad has directed, edited, and color-graded Portrait of Life (2025, thesis film — selected at Anymusic Film Festival, Spain), Maa (Mother) (2022 — Best Short Film at Cinephilia Flair IFF, selections in Iran, Egypt, and the USA), Main Aur Achu (2024, Silverlight Studios), and the documentary Urdu Bazaar Karachi. He has also served as DP and Editor on Phir Se (7T7 Productions) and Associate Director on Payam e Dil. In production: Zawaal and A Soldier Beside Me.

In addition to Cinegma Films, he serves as Film Director and Editor at Burrak Organization's Silverlight Studios, leading production of narrative Islamic short content. With a focus on independent storytelling, Asad aims to strengthen the voice of modern Pakistani cinema and is open to collaborations, including the MadForFilms x Sony x tapmad initiative.