Writer / Director / Producer

Parsa Ghaffari

Parsa Ghaffari is a filmmaker based in Northern California and the creator of In the Midst (2026), where he serves as writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and lead actor. His work focuses on performance-driven storytelling shaped by lived experience, naturalistic tension, and subtle character dynamics. Drawing from realistic environments, he emphasizes atmosphere, credibility, and emotional precision in his filmmaking. In the Midst marks his debut feature and reflects his multi-disciplinary approach to both production and narrative construction. He finished the film while simultaneously earning a degree in biomolecular engineering from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Black-and-white director headshot of a man with dark wavy hair, glasses, and a beard, wearing a suit and tie, smiling, clean studio lighting, professional and cinematic portrait style.

“Filmmaking is my way of exploring the fragile space between morality and survival, where the weight of one’s choices quietly defines them.”

Behind the Scenes

Behind-the-scenes of a director filming a scene of scientists conducting experiments at a laboratory table with glassware and electronic equipment, wearing goggles and lab coats, dark background, cinematic lighting, film set atmosphere.

Directing the Lab Sequence

Behind-the-scenes of a director holding a camera, preparing to film a tense scene in an abandoned building where one actor is holding another hostage, cinematic lighting, gritty film set atmosphere, realistic style.

Operating Camera on Location

Behind-the-scenes of a director-actor moment, over-the-shoulder shot of a cameraman preparing to film a scene involving a chess game, cinematic film set atmosphere, natural lighting, realistic style.

On Set as Actor-Director

A cinematic behind-the-scenes shot of a director-actor aiming two handguns, with a crew member filming them up close using a camera, set against a black background, dramatic lighting, film set atmosphere, realistic style.

Character in Scene