Zhaniya Rei is an American Indigenous creative from Virginia, celebrated for her heartfelt dedication to cinema and visual storytelling. Zhaniya's passion for TV and film production began at home, where her family's collection of Black American classic films nurtured her love for storytelling and artistry. Growing up immersed in the rich arts of her culture, she developed a deep connection to her heritage, which she channels into her work today.
Zhaniya studied Cinema and TV Production at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. During her sophomore year, she moved to Los Angeles, California, to gain hands-on experience in the industry and build her resume. As a Production Assistant on high-profile projects, including In Her Words, the Megan Thee Stallion documentary (Credited as "Niya Rei"), and the Michael Jackson biopic, Zhaniya's creativity and dedication have made her an asset on set. Her work reflects her respect for tradition and her commitment to advancing Indigenous Black American stories in American cinema.
