I am a media creator and filmmaker with over 6 years of experience producing institutional and digital content across platforms. Skilled in video editing, storytelling, and digital strategy, I have a strong academic and creative foundation. I hold a Master's degree and a double degree in Film and New Media & Social Research and Public Policy, with a focus on documentary film directing and themes such as inclusivity, neurodivergence, and ethics. As a professional, I have led comprehensive content production for luxury brands and managed post-production workflows remotely. My work includes editing over 100 videos for NYU Public Affairs and contributing to multi-modal archival and oral history projects highlighting marginalized roles in cinema. I am fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and currently hold a UAE Golden Visa.

Aiya Akilzhanova

I am a media creator and filmmaker with over 6 years of experience producing institutional and digital content across platforms. Skilled in video editing, storytelling, and digital strategy, I have a strong academic and creative foundation. I hold a Master's degree and a double degree in Film and New Media & Social Research and Public Policy, with a focus on documentary film directing and themes such as inclusivity, neurodivergence, and ethics. As a professional, I have led comprehensive content production for luxury brands and managed post-production workflows remotely. My work includes editing over 100 videos for NYU Public Affairs and contributing to multi-modal archival and oral history projects highlighting marginalized roles in cinema. I am fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and currently hold a UAE Golden Visa.

Available to hire

I am a media creator and filmmaker with over 6 years of experience producing institutional and digital content across platforms. Skilled in video editing, storytelling, and digital strategy, I have a strong academic and creative foundation. I hold a Master’s degree and a double degree in Film and New Media & Social Research and Public Policy, with a focus on documentary film directing and themes such as inclusivity, neurodivergence, and ethics.

As a professional, I have led comprehensive content production for luxury brands and managed post-production workflows remotely. My work includes editing over 100 videos for NYU Public Affairs and contributing to multi-modal archival and oral history projects highlighting marginalized roles in cinema. I am fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English, and currently hold a UAE Golden Visa.

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Language

Kazakh
Fluent
Russian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Portuguese
Beginner

Work Experience

Assistant YouTube Content Specialist at NYU Public Affairs | UAE
March 1, 2022 - August 5, 2025
Edited and published 100+ videos with attention to pacing, editorial compliance, and accessibility through accurate transcription. Assisted in video shoots and captured photo content tailored for social media platforms. Managed post-production for the NYUAD Memory Project, a community oral history archive documenting institutional memory through filmed interviews with students, alumni, and faculty. Co-conceptualized and directed NYUAD's official Class of 2021 commencement music video.
Senior Content Creator at Studio 5 | UAE
August 1, 2023 - August 5, 2025
Led comprehensive content production for luxury beauty, fashion, food, and jewelry brands, delivering high-performing campaigns with multiple pieces reaching over 1 million views. Optimized content performance through strategic creative review, ensuring brand alignment and maximum audience engagement.
Video Editor & Content Strategist at DanceLab | Switzerland (Remote, Part-time)
July 1, 2024 - Present
Drove organic follower growth by 10% through strategic content planning. Edited short-form content aligned with brand tone of voice, consistently reaching 30K+ views on social platforms. Managed remote production workflow independently, ensuring consistent quality and fast turnaround.
Post-Graduate Research Assistant at Film and New Media | UAE
August 1, 2022 - August 5, 2025
Assisted in developing a multi-modal archival and oral history project highlighting the marginalized role of women in Indian cinema. Organized personal art facts, photographs, sound, and film materials; organized and transcribed interviews with filmmakers applying thematic coding and data organization methods.
Media Genome Analyst at Katch Data | USA (Remote)
August 1, 2020 - August 5, 2025
Analyzed over 1,500 films for narrative, tone, and stylistic metadata to support an AI-driven content intelligence platform. Contributed to taste prediction models and media strategy tools for clients such as Warner Bros. and Paramount.

Education

Bachelor of Arts | Film and New Media & Social Research and Public Policy (Double Degree) at New York University Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

Master of Arts | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
UAE Golden Visa Holder
January 11, 2030 - August 5, 2025
Fully-funded scholarship by European Commission
January 11, 2030 - August 5, 2025
Merit-based 100% scholarship recipient | Summer Film Grant
January 11, 2030 - August 5, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet