People rarely act because of information alone. They act because something reaches them emotionally.
I work with organizations that are already making a difference. My role isn't to invent a compelling story—it's to uncover the one that's already there and craft it into a film that inspires people to care, connect, and act.
Every project begins with listening.
Before I think about cameras or lighting, I spend time understanding what makes an organization special—what motivates its people, what challenges they face, and whose lives are being changed.
Those conversations shape every creative decision that follows—from the questions I ask to the moments I choose to capture.
I'm Omid Zoufonoun, a filmmaker and orchestra conductor based in Oakland. Both music and filmmaking have taught me the same lesson: meaningful work begins with listening.
More than a decade ago, I picked up a camera to preserve something I knew wouldn't last: my father's stories.
A master of traditional Persian music, already in his nineties, I realized that the stories only he could tell—the musicians he'd known, the performances he'd given, and the world he'd lived in—would soon be gone.
What began as an attempt to preserve one person's legacy became a lifelong passion for helping organizations preserve and share theirs.
As a filmmaker and orchestra conductor, I'm drawn to both the larger story and the small human moments that give it meaning. Quiet gestures, authentic emotion, and genuine connection often become the heart of a film.
My goal is to help organizations tell stories that deepen trust, inspire action, and help more people understand why their work matters.
I especially enjoy partnering with organizations dedicated to education, the arts, and community impact—teams whose work is already changing lives and simply needs to be seen and felt.
If your organization is making a difference and looking for a thoughtful storytelling partner, I'd love to hear your story.
