Bardya Ziaian is a filmmaker from Toronto and the founder of Bardya Pictures, a lively production company focusing on unique and entertaining comedies. Bardya loves bringing fresh and bold humor to the screen. People know his films for more than just jokes—they are thought-provoking with smart storytelling. Bardya enjoys pushing limits in the comedy world. He wants to entertain, provoke thought, and spark discussions. Bardya Pictures quickly gained a name in indie films, creating movies that bring laughter and make people think. Bardya is the writer and director of three feature comedy films: Super Dicks, Golden Boy, and How to Kill Your Boss.
HNMAG: Bardya, it’s great to have you with us. Can you tell us about your filmmaking journey?
Bardya Ziaian: Thanks for having me. I always loved film and storytelling. Over time, I embraced my true love of comedy and started Bardya Pictures. I wanted to make films that make people laugh and have a fun, entertaining time.
HNMAG: How would you describe your personal filmmaking style?
Bardya Ziaian: My style is quirky, irreverent, and sometimes a little esoteric. I create comedies that bring laughs while pushing limits, maybe challenging aspects of society with humor. I want to entertain you while making you think, whether it’s through a clever twist or some sharp satire.
HNMAG: How do you make Bardya Pictures unique in the competitive film industry in Toronto?
Bardya Ziaian: Bardya Pictures focuses on high-quality, entertaining films with a unique comedic voice. Our films use a playful and brave way of storytelling. Bringing fresh and original comedic ideas to the screen while having a creative team who are passionate about their craft is what makes us stand out.
HNMAG: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent filmmaker?
Bardya Ziaian: The big challenge is funding. Independent filmmakers need to be smart and creative to find funding, which can be a whole art in itself. It helps to be persistent and develop good relationships. Balancing creativity and the business side is another challenge, but with the right team, we manage it well.
HNMAG: What’s the most rewarding project you’ve worked on?
Bardya Ziaian: The most rewarding project was my first feature film, Super Dicks. The reactions have been wonderful, and I think we created some thought-provoking humor. I feel like the feedback proved that our stories and our methods are connecting with people.
HNMAG: Toronto has a vibrant film scene. How has the city influenced your work?
Bardya Ziaian: Toronto’s film scene is so impressive—full of talent and creativity. The city’s diversity of perspectives influences my work, especially in comedy. There is a wider range of ideas and stories that reach different people. The strong indie film community offers great opportunities for collaboration and inspiration.
HNMAG: What advice would you give to up-and-coming filmmakers, especially those who want to do comedies?
Bardya Ziaian: My advice is to hone in on your comedic voice and not be afraid to take risks. Comedy lets you have fun with ideas and push limits while staying true to your vision. Work hard, start small, and learn from others. Collaborate with other passionate filmmakers and, most importantly, keep creating films.