I am a cinematic, documentary-travel videographer and video producer with hands-on experience across concept development, filming, editing, and talent direction. I bring extensive run-and-gun documentary coverage and social-first video production for non-profits, editorial outlets, and digital platforms, blending strong editorial instincts with production leadership, platform fluency, and creative storytelling.

Marya Zafar

PRO

I am a cinematic, documentary-travel videographer and video producer with hands-on experience across concept development, filming, editing, and talent direction. I bring extensive run-and-gun documentary coverage and social-first video production for non-profits, editorial outlets, and digital platforms, blending strong editorial instincts with production leadership, platform fluency, and creative storytelling.

Available to hire

I am a cinematic, documentary-travel videographer and video producer with hands-on experience across concept development, filming, editing, and talent direction.

I bring extensive run-and-gun documentary coverage and social-first video production for non-profits, editorial outlets, and digital platforms, blending strong editorial instincts with production leadership, platform fluency, and creative storytelling.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Hackergal
October 1, 2024 - Present
Own and manage the social media and video content calendar, leading end-to-end social video production of ~40 social-first videos across Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn ensuring platform-native storytelling; utilize Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Metricool to create, edit, and track performance. Execute tight-turnaround production cycles, frequently delivering same-week film, editing, and posting. Direct and coach on-camera talent (staff, educators, youth voices), translating organizational impact into emotionally resonant video storytelling supporting fundraising, partnerships and national visibility. Increased social media reach by 29% and interactions by 46% over 1 year through performance-informed creative strategy.
Photographer and Story Teller at Maarya Zafar Photography
July 1, 2025 - Present
Lead full visual production lifecycle for events, proposals, and portrait sessions, including creative consultation, shot planning to film/photo, editing, and final delivery. Shoot documentary-style content with strong emphasis on natural movement, emotion, and storytelling. Edit and color-correct visual assets using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, delivering platform-ready content optimized for web and social media.
Associate Producer at The Science of Happiness Podcast
March 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024
Conducted deep research on scientific studies for 30+ episodes, shaping episode structure and narrative flow. Produced promotional audio grams for social media distribution and created detailed show notes to improve accessibility, discoverability, and audience engagement. Collaborated closely with producers and hosts to ensure editorial clarity, tone, and consistency.
Intern at Chandi Films
May 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Supported field production for two documentary films (Coach Emily and Welcome Home Jhaiji), assisting with camera operation, location sound, and on-set logistics. Shot supplementary footage and assisted with boom and lavalier microphone setup, using body-mounted gimbal stabilizer for smooth moving shots during interviews. Logged, organized, and built string-outs to support long-form documentary editing workflows.
Photographer and Storyteller at Marya Zafar Photography
July 1, 2025 - Present
Lead full visual production lifecycle for events, proposals, and portrait sessions, including creative consultation, shoot planning to film photography, editing, and final delivery. Shoot documentary-style content with emphasis on natural movement, emotion, and storytelling. Edit and color-correct visual assets using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, delivering platform-ready content optimized for web and social media.

Education

Master of Journalism — Documentary Film at University of California, Berkeley
January 11, 2030 - December 16, 2025
Honours Bachelor of Arts — Visual Studies & Book/Media Studies at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - December 16, 2025
Master of Journalism — Documentary Film at University of California, Berkeley
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026
Honours Bachelor of Arts — Visual Studies & Book/Media Studies at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - April 2, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services