College: NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Occupation: Film Producer
Current City: Dubai, UAE
Rayhan Kandri ‘19, like many of her fellow ASD alumni, considers herself a global citizen, shaped by life in several countries. Born in Saudi Arabia, raised between the United States and the UAE, and deeply rooted in her Moroccan heritage, Rayhan’s diverse background profoundly shapes the stories she tells today. Now a filmmaker based in the UAE, Rayhan recently returned to ASD, though not as a student, but as a film director.
Rayhan spent all four years of high school at ASD, where she immersed herself in the arts. From AP 2D Art and AP Studio Art to film history and technical production, she explored various creative paths before discovering her passion for filmmaking. That moment came unexpectedly. After reading about a film competition in the ASD newsletter, she and a friend submitted a last-minute entry. To their surprise, they won. That early success sparked a deeper interest in film and set Rayhan on a new trajectory.
In 2018, she co-founded the Dubai Youth Film Festival, and by the following year, she was leading the festival’s organization. This hands-on experience, combined with her coursework, prepared her for the next step: studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she majored in Film and Television and minored in the Business of Film.
Rayhan is most passionate about screenwriting and directing, particularly when telling stories that reflect the Arab world and Moroccan culture. Her desire to amplify underrepresented narratives inspired her decision to return to the region after graduating in 2023.
“Growing up, I didn’t often see my culture reflected on screen,” she explains. “It’s important to me to change that through my work.”
Since returning to the UAE, Rayhan has interned at a production house and worked as a freelance filmmaker. In early 2024, she was selected for the prestigious Arab Film Studio Program, a Creative Media Authority initiative based in Abu Dhabi. As part of the program, Rayhan is producing a short film titled Rick, which brought her back to ASD to shoot key scenes.
Rick is Rayhan’s first fully French-language script. The story draws inspiration from the Moroccan national football team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Centering on the bond between the players and their mothers, the film follows a teenage boy navigating identity and belonging in a French high school while coming from a disadvantaged background. It’s a story of resilience, heritage, and self-discovery.
Rayhan credits ASD with helping her believe in her path. “ASD gave me the confidence to pursue what I love,” she says. “It made me feel like I could be independent, and that following an unconventional path was not only possible, but valuable.” The support of her teachers and the encouragement of the ASD community helped her embrace the risks of a creative career.
Her message to current students is heartfelt: “Trust yourself and follow what you really love to do. Otherwise, you might regret it. Passion is your fuel - for your work, your life, and your impact. You want to be proud of what you put out into the world.”
As she nears completion of her program in Abu Dhabi, Rayhan is continuing to work on freelance production projects and looks ahead to writing and directing her first feature-length film. With a bold voice and a clear sense of purpose, she’s just getting started.
