Rouzie Hassanova is an award-winning writer and director whose unique Pomak-Bulgarian  (Muslim) identity gives her work a fresh vision. Now a New Zealand citizen, Rouzie is  known for her commitment to authenticity and collaboration. In her films, she crafts  powerful themes and true-to-life performances.  

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Her debut feature film, Radiogram, won several awards, including the Audience Award at  the Sofia International Film Festival, the Best Debut Award at the Golden Rose Film  Festival, and the Special Mention Award at the Vukovar International Film Festival.  Radiogram was screened at international festivals in Haifa, Dubai, Heartlands, Istanbul,  and Transilvania, and is available on Amazon Prime and SBS Australia.  

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Her collection of award-winning shorts Song for Serbia, Tree Without a Root, Vicky, and  The Portrait, travelled to various festivals including Show me Shorts, Raindance, In the  Palace, Galway, Big Sur, Sofia, and Wairoa Māori Film Festival.  

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Rouzie is developing her second feature film Tulpar, which received the Seed Advanced  Development Grant from the New Zealand Writers Guild in 2023. The project was  developed through Script to Screen’s FilmUp Mentorship and the STOWE Story Lab  Remote Residency 2023. In 2024, it made the Quarterfinals of Stage 32 + Catalyst Studios  Empowering Women Script Competition!, and The Writers Lab NY, and was shortlisted for  the TUBI’s Black List initiative.  

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Currently, Rouzie is co-directing the documentary web series Ahi Wānanga (The Fires Of Discussion) with director & producer Jessica Sanderson (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātiawa, Pākehā). The series is commissioned by TVNZ, and will be available on RE:, and TVNZ+. The six-part online series unites young Muslims and Māori through shared passions, exploring themes of belonging, inclusion, and collective aspirations for a more understanding and connected Aotearoa New Zealand.

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“As a storyteller, I strive to amplify the voices of those facing unfair treatment, forced  assimilation, or negative stereotypes, reflecting the challenges my family endured. I aim to inspire compassion and foster unity by creating relatable characters that resonate with a global audience.”  – Rouzie Hassanova