ABOUT NEO
Neo Apelian is an Armenian Lebanese Filmmaker based in Dubai with over 10 years of experience, in the field of film and video production.
A graduate of the American University in Dubai’s Digital production & Storytelling program, at Mohamed bin Rashed School of Communication (MBRSC).
He has since worked on the sets of various local and international commercials, short films, and feature films.
Most notably, “Star Trek: Beyond” 2016 and “The Ambush” 2021.
Gaining his experience in the production department, before slowly transitioning into writing and directing his own films.
In 2017 he earned a win, as an independent short film producer, for the short film “Shah Mat” in the 48 hour film project Dubai at the Dubai International Film Festival 2017. Later going on to compete for the international 48 hour competition at Filmapalooza Film Festival in Seattle, WA, USA.
In 2019, Apelian produced the short film ‘M1das’
The film screened in over 25 festivals worldwide and won over 10 awards including Best Sci-fi short at Florence Film Awards and Berlin Movie Awards.
Neo slowly pursued his passion for directing. He wrote and directed his debut short with the quirky Sci-fi film ‘IDI’ in January 2021.
IDI’s first win earned Neo the Gold Award for First Time Director, at the Hollywood Gold Festival.
IDI later went on to win 11 awards at various worldwide festivals, and screening in over 16 festivals.
Neo is Currently working on his newest short film, "Karayr" an Arabic post-apocalyptic genre tale that blends Komitasian music and Armenian influence.
After a successful crowdfunding campaign, The movie was filmed and is presently in post production. Looking to release in the international festival circuit in 2024.
