The filmmaker, producer and entrepreneur looks to build a creative bridge between the film industries of Chennai and Dubai
Chennai: Dubai-based filmmaker, producer and entrepreneur Zenofar Fathima is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in her filmmaking journey, with plans to expand her creative presence in Chennai and explore collaborations between the Indian and UAE film industries.
Born in Chennai and currently based in Dubai, Zenofar has established herself as a distinctive voice through films that explore psychological thrillers, social issues, human behaviour and contemporary themes. As the Founder and CEO of Zen Film Productions, she has directed and produced more than 20 short films, covering subjects ranging from cybercrime and domestic violence to faith and psychology.
Zenofar gained international recognition through The Reel Files, which began as a short-form horror concept and evolved into a successful anthology streaming on ZEE5 Global. Following the success of its earlier seasons, including Season 3 featuring acclaimed Bollywood actor Rahul Dev, The Reel Files Season 4 takes the franchise into a new territory with an unconventional ensemble featuring Bigg Boss 16 fame Abdu Rozik, Dubai Bling star Ebraheem Al Samadi, and Emirati content creator Ahmad Al Marzooqi.
By bringing familiar personalities into unexpected psychological-horror avatars, Zenofar aims to offer audiences a fresh and unconventional cinematic experience.
Building a Chennai–Dubai Creative Connection
With her growing international profile, Zenofar is now looking towards Chennai as an important part of her next creative chapter. She is actively exploring Chennai-based productions and collaborations that will bring together South Indian talent with artists and creative professionals from Dubai.
Her vision is to create stories that can connect audiences across India and the UAE while providing new opportunities for filmmakers, actors and other creative professionals from both regions.
Speaking about her plans, Zenofar Fathima said:
“Dubai will always remain an integral part of my filmmaking journey, but Chennai has always held a special place in my heart. I want to create stories that transcend borders while bringing together the incredible talent and cinematic cultures of India and the UAE. I see this not merely as an expansion, but as the beginning of a long-term creative partnership between two vibrant filmmaking ecosystems.”
Zenofar’s body of work also includes Ayah – The Power of Dua, created in association with Firdaus Studio by A.R. Rahman, which received recognition on the international festival circuit. Her psychological thriller Specter: Black Out also gained international attention, with its teaser showcased on the iconic Times Square billboards in New York.
With The Reel Files Season 4 further expanding her international footprint and several cross-border collaborations currently in development, Zenofar Fathima is looking forward to establishing a stronger creative presence in Chennai.
For the filmmaker, the move represents more than an expansion of geography. It is a return to her roots and an opportunity to create a long-term creative bridge between Chennai and Dubai, bringing together two vibrant filmmaking cultures and taking Indian stories to wider international audiences.
About Zenofar Fathima
Zenofar Fathima is a filmmaker, producer and entrepreneur based in Dubai and the Founder and CEO of Zen Film Productions. Her work spans short films, anthology content and feature-length projects, with a focus on psychological storytelling, socially relevant themes and innovative narratives. Her projects have received international recognition across festivals, streaming platforms and global media.
