Shahbano Farid is a Pakistani-American Director and Writer whose mission it is to understand the human experience one person at a time. With a penchant for sharing stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things, Shahbano’s work spotlights emerging talents and celebrates subcultures around the world.

Born in Karachi, Shahbano has a deep connection to the city and is adamant on exploring narratives coming out of Pakistan.

Previously, Shahbano has directed documentaries for publishers such as VICE and ATTN: and Olympic Channel. In 2024, Shahbano debuted her first solo short doc, Karachi at Night, about the underground DIY dance scene in Karachi, Pakistan with music publisher Resident Advisor. It was an official selection of the 2024 Rung Film Festival. She is currently working on her next film set to debut in 2026.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

After being in the film and media space for over 10 years I’m excited to be a part of something bigger that amplifies and celebrates talent in each category.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

I was an Ad Sales Intern at Refinery29. It taught me that I didn’t want to be in strategy however now I carry invaluable skills from those days.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

My first short film, Karachi at Night

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The constant drive to keep going. Making films is hard and each day you have to choose to keep the dream alive.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

I look for the heart of the story and a POV. Not every video needs to be dramatic, over the top exciting or intense for it to be good. I look for the details that let me know there was thought and love behind the piece.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I’m freelance Creative Directing and Directing for various brand partners ranging in media, publishing, and production agencies. I’m also in post production for my own short documentary. I love making things from start to finish!!

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

My short documentary.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

I meditate, go out in nature, hang out with friends, listen to music, journal

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

I find the human experience incredibly bizarre and beautiful. I’m deeply spiritual and connected to the earth and I find my storytelling journey to be one that hinges on spiritual connections to the world around us. I feel this connection is the reason I love to tell how people around the world live their lives, because it reminds me that although we’re all incredibly similar, the way we choose to live can vary in great detail.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

In the most dramatic way I can say it: everything looks, feels, sounds and acts the same. I feel that a lot of mainstream media and film today feels formatted, unoriginal, and boring. My insight is to be yourself, trust your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Showing up as your genuine self will always make your story better.