Anya is a Pakistani-Dutch writer, filmmaker and economist. She is moved by the human spirit, and seeks to tell stories that stretch conventional definitions. How She Moves is her directorial debut. Based between Washington D.C. and Islamabad, her work has always had a focus on quieter voices, supporting humanitarian causes, the quest for economic empowerment, equal rights and freedom of expression. Anya's short film Asma, is currently in post-production. She is a proud member of stand-up comedy troupe Auratnaak.
Films shown in Divvy Film Festival London 2024
Rabia is put to the test when she is forced to choose between saving the life she once knew, and protecting those she loves and leaving it all behind
On the Mountain
dir: Anya Raza
run time: 12 mins 47 sec
production year: 2024
language: English, Dari (with English and Dari subtitles)
countries: United States, Pakistan
fiction short
UK premiere
Films shown in Divvy Film Festival 2023
Still Here, Anya Raza, 2022
Still Here follows Omar's journey through trauma towards healing. It is inspired by the clients and work of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) – which aims to eradicate and heal the wounds of torture globally.
Films shown in Divvy Film Festival 2021
On the eve of Pakistan’s 70th independence anniversary, we follow the spirited 90 year old guru Indu Mitha, as she prepares for her students’ final performance before she retires. How She Moves pulls back the curtain on her life as one of Pakistan’s few classical dance teachers. We observe her give a feminist and secular spin on classical dance, and see the transformative impact it has on her students.
