About Me
I'm Francesca Salmasi, a London-based filmmaker, designer and creative producer.
My work explores themes of identity, memory and belonging, often using personal stories to connect with wider social and cultural histories. Whether I'm making documentaries, creating animations or developing creative projects, I'm drawn to stories that reveal something meaningful about how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
I'm currently developing Matrilineal, a personal documentary that began with the discovery of a hidden chapter of my family's history. Through family archives, research and personal reflection, the film explores heritage, loss and the process of reconnecting with a past that had faded across generations.
Outside of filmmaking, I find inspiration in London's theatres, art exhibitions and cultural spaces. I'm a firm believer that the best ideas often come from unexpected places, whether that's a conversation, a forgotten photograph or a night singing with my pop and disco choir.
Education and experience
I graduated with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Animation from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Farnham in 2020. During my studies, I worked across a range of collaborative projects, including an animated advertising campaign for Cats Protection.
Following this, I moved into live-action filmmaking and completed an MA in Digital Documentary at Royal Holloway, University of London, graduating with Distinction in 2021. While studying, I worked as an Assistant Events Producer and intern for SMART, the London International Smartphone Film Festival, alongside developing my own documentary projects.
As a smartphone filmmaker, I was recognised as one of London's top smartphone filmmakers and have continued to champion accessible, innovative approaches to filmmaking throughout my work.
My films have screened internationally at festivals and events from Lisbon to New York. Since 2022, I have worked in video production, producing a wide range of films, podcasts and digital content for brands and organisations.
Alongside my professional role as a producer and designer, I maintain an independent creative practice as a filmmaker and animator, developing original documentary and animation projects while continuing to work as a freelance animator and illustrator.