For filmmaker Abeni Nazeer, storytelling is more than a career—it’s a mirror of her healing journey. “My path has been just as much about inner growth as it has been about filmmaking,” she shares. “In the past, whenever I needed to grow, I would go into hibernation—disappear from the world and come back a better version of myself. But what I’ve learned recently is how to stay consistent, to keep showing up socially while still doing the deep inner work.”

That balance between self-discovery and creative expression now defines Nazeer’s artistry. “Every day I focus on correcting the things within myself that need more love and attention,” she continues. “That process has opened the door to so many new blessings.”

Finding Her Voice Through ‘Sin’

One of those blessings was her directorial debut, Sin—a feature film written by Dutch (Kwame), who discovered Nazeer’s work after seeing a music video she directed for her sister. “He told me he liked my eye for storytelling and wanted to give me a chance to bring his script to life,” she recalls.

The project became a masterclass in collaboration. “I had four producers, each with their own style and vision, and sometimes I felt boxed in—balancing creative freedom with the business side of filmmaking. But despite the challenges, it was beautiful,” Nazeer says.

Working with Academy Award–winner Lou Gossett Jr. was a defining moment. “He welcomed me into his home, shared wisdom, and became a mentor figure. Watching my leads, Angel and Bella Black, pour their hearts into their roles reminded me why I love storytelling. Sin wasn’t just a film—it was a family. Chaotic, emotional, but ours.”

What’s Next: ‘Barely’ and ‘Rush’

With Sin now under her belt, Nazeer is stepping into her next creative era. She’s currently developing a new series titled Barely, expected to premiere on streaming platforms like Tubi or Amazon Prime. “It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s going to touch people in a powerful way,” she says.

Up next is her highly anticipated horror feature, Rush—a bold, visceral project that will showcase a different side of her directorial vision. Rush will premiere November 21 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, located on Wilshire Boulevard. “It’s intense, it’s daring, and it reflects how far I’ve come—not just as a filmmaker, but as a woman who’s learning to transform pain into power.”

The Vision Ahead

“As a director, my mission is to create films that reflect truth, spark conversation, and remind people of the beauty of growth,” Nazeer affirms. “Every project I take on is an extension of my journey—healing, learning, and becoming. And I’m just getting started.”