who is Sofie Khan?

Glad you asked. I’m Sofie Khan, a queer, bicultural actor, writer, director, and producer. I was born and raised in Chicago, where improv is a lifestyle and deep-dish pizza counts as emotional support. These days I call Atlanta home, but I also work out of New York, Los Angeles and anywhere else in the world. My creative mission? To tell cross-cultural stories that blend humor, heart, and humanity, with authenticity to keep it real.

What got you into filmmaking?

A lifetime of mixed-plate identity. Growing up between Mexican and Pakistani cultures in a Black & Puerto Rican neighborhood in inner-city Chicago taught me that storytelling is how we make sense of the world. I didn’t see people like me on screen, so I picked up a camera (and probably annoyed everyone in my building) to change that. Now, I make films that explore the in-between, where laughter and healing coexist, and representation actually looks like our lives.

What are some of your career highlights?

I’ve participated in the CBS Pipeline and Warner Bros. Discovery Access programs, which gave me the tools (and tight deadlines) to level up my writing and directing. I’m also an alum of the LA Director’s Lab (LADL) - where I honed my skills for efficient directing. Plus, I’m a proud member of Indie Institute by AntiGravity Academy, Moonshot Initiative,Women in Film, Alliance of Women Directors and Latinas Acting Up (LAU) - founded by the phenomenal Diana Maria Riva and Lisa Vidal - a community that proves sisterhood can move mountains and box office numbers.

What kind of stories make your heart beat faster?

The ones that sit between global cultures and emotions, stories that can make you laugh, cry, and call your mom in under ten minutes. I love exploring identity, queerness, and connection through comedy and heart. If you’ve ever had to translate a joke across languages or explain your lunch at work, we’re already in the same cinematic universe.

You’ve lived and worked in multiple cities - how does that shape your work?

Each city gave me a superpower.

• Chicago taught me hustle, honesty, and how to do art with grit.

• New York gave me speed and sharpness.

• Atlanta reminded me to enjoy the journey, collaborate, and stay grounded.

• Medellín, Colombia taught me the value of cross-cultural communication

• Los Angeles? That’s where I learned how to dream loud.

Together, they made me a filmmaker who can thrive on set.

What’s it like working with you?

Equal parts laughter and efficiency. I bring structure, empathy, and good snacks. I take the work seriously, but not myself. I want people to feel seen and safe, whether they’re in front of the camera or behind it. Creativity flows best when everyone’s respected…and caffeinated. My motto: no egos amigo!

What’s your directing style like on set?

Collaborative, curious, and centered. I believe sets should feel like playgrounds, not pressure cookers that deflate creativity and peoples’ problem-solving brainwheels. I love working closely with actors and crew to discover moments that feel alive and organic. My goal is always to make something authentic, and have everyone go home proud of their work together.

How do you approach leading a team on set?

With curiosity and kindness. I treat every project like a creative village, everyone’s voice matters. Whether I’m leading a crew of 5 or 50, I aim for clarity, compassion, and a vibe where people can do their best work without burnout and are set up for success.

Where can we review your work?

My latest films and projects are living happily in my portfolioand my samples page contains a partial list of script coverage reports, pitch decks and writing samples (contact me for password). You can also find behind-the-scenes clips, film festival updates, and wifey life on Instagram @heysofiekhan.

What makes your storytelling unique?

I bring a lived-experience/trauma-informed lens to everything I create. My films are remixed in language, emotion, and identity, they sometimes speak Spanglish and sarcasm fluently. I mix humor with honesty to build stories that stick to your ribs. If representation had a sense of humor, it would sound a lot like my work.

What’s your approach to representation and inclusion?

Representation isn’t a checkbox - it’s a calling. Through community, mentorship, and inclusive hiring practices, I’m helping reshape who gets to tell the story and who gets to thrive while telling it. The entertainment industry is evolving, and I plan to make sure it does so with color, comedy, and community.

Why should someone reach out to work with you?

Because I bring equal parts vision and vibe. Because I’ll push the story deeper while keeping the set joyful. Because I believe every creative partnership should feel like art and adventure. And honestly? Because we’ll probably make something incredible, and laugh a lot while having a good time doing it.

Are you open to working with new collaborators?

Absolutely, yes. I love working with people who lead with purpose, curiosity, and a sense of humor. If you’ve got a story that makes you feel something, and maybe scares you just enough, I’m interested. Reach out through my Contact Page or email me heysofiekhan@gmail.com and let’s see if we can build something beautiful, weird, or both.