Omar Darz on IMBd

OMAR DARAZ – CINEMATOGRAPHER DUBAI & DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Omar Daraz Cinematographer Dubai

I am an experienced Cinematographer in Dubai and Director of Photography (DOP) with over a decade of hands-on camera department experience across feature films, television and web series, commercial campaigns, and music videos.

Backed by an academic foundation in visual communication from the College of Art & Design, Punjab University Lahore, my visual philosophy centers on deliberate framing, narrative movement, and controlled lighting discipline. I work closely with directors and production companies across the UAE, Qatar, and Pakistan to shape the visual language of every story.

Selected Narrative & Television Works

Aik Hai Nigar Telefilm

Aik Hai Nigar (Telefilm, 2021) – Cinematographer / DOP

Directed by: Adnan Sarwar | Main Cast: Mahira Khan, Bilal Ashraf

Produced by: Mahira Khan & Nina Kashif (SoulFry Films) for ARY Digital & ISPR.

I served as Director of Photography for this biographical telefilm chronicling the life of Pakistan’s first female Three-Star General, Lieutenant General Nigar Johar. The telefilm won Best Asian Film at the Septimius Awards (Amsterdam).

Baarwan Khiladi Poster

Baarwan Khiladi (Web Series, 2022) – Cinematographer / DOP

Directed by: Adnan Sarwar | Main Cast: Danyal Zafar, Fawad Khan

Produced by: Nina Kashif & Mahira Khan (SoulFry Films) for Tapmad TV.

Director of Photography for an energetic sports drama.

Gunah (Mini-Series, 2023) – Cinematographer / DOP

Directed by: Adnan Sarwar | Main Cast: Saba Qamar, Sarmad Khoosat
Director of Photography for a suspenseful thriller mini-series produced for Express TV.

Motorcycle Girl Poster

The Motorcycle Girl (Feature Film, 2018) – Second Unit Director & 2nd Unit DOP

Directed by: Adnan Sarwar | Starring: Sohai Ali Abro

Produced by: Logos Films & Media.

I operated as Second Unit Director and DOP, filming the road sequences and landscape visuals across northern Pakistan for this biographical feature.

Shah Feature Film

Shah (Feature Film, 2015) – Cinematographer / DOP

Directed by: Adnan Sarwar
Cinematographer for the acclaimed biographical sports feature depicting Olympic Bronze Medalist Hussain Shah.

Commercials, Music & Aerial Cinematography

  • Commercials & Branded Campaigns: Cinematographer / DOP for commercials, brand films, and promotional releases across Dubai and the region.
  • Fashion & Lifestyle Films: Lead Videographer & Cinematographer for Sapphire Retail; lensed fashion campaigns and branded stories for brands including Coke Studio, Khaadi, and Generation.
  • Music Videos: Cinematographer delivering visual concepts and camera work for narrative music videos at AAA Reels Production (Dubai).
  • Aerial Cinematography: Aerial and drone cinematographer for the ISPR documentary Beacons on the Path of Glory across the western borders of Pakistan.

Recognitions & Academic Background

  • Nominated in the Analogue Photography category at the Ibda’a Media Awards (Dubai Media City / IMPZ), held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
  • Winner across four photography categories at the GIKI National Photography Competition.
  • Visiting Faculty & Workshop Instructor in Gimbal Operation and Cinematography at the National College of Arts (NCA), Film & Television Department.