Soraya Simi

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Soraya Simi grew up in a home filled with cinema. With a French Moroccan mother and an Italian Polish American father, Soraya was immersed in culture, storytelling, and creativity from an early age. During scorching desert summers, movies were both refuge and inspiration. By the time Soraya Simi was a teenager, filmmaking felt less like a dream and more like a calling.

At 18, Soraya moved to Los Angeles to attend USC film school, determined to carve a path in an industry that rewards both vision and resilience. In 2019, Soraya launched Imagiro Films, LLC, a home-based production company dedicated to documentary, commercial, and nonprofit storytelling.

Shortly after graduation and her launch, the pandemic brought the film world to a halt. Productions shut down. Opportunities disappeared. Rather than wait for stability to return, Soraya leaned into resourcefulness. That moment of uncertainty sparked an entrepreneurial drive that would define the next chapter.

What began as a necessity evolved into a thriving creative business. Alongside Imagiro Films, Soraya founded 805 Film Collective, a grassroots collective designed to connect filmmakers across the Central Coast. The simple desire for community has grown into a network of more than 1,000 filmmakers from Oxnard to San Luis Obispo, creating opportunities for collaboration and belonging in an industry that can often feel isolating.

As Soraya’s creative work expanded, so did the complexity of running two distinct ventures. Building films from the ground up required raising capital, assembling teams, navigating grants, and pitching constantly. Soraya describes the early years as a relentless grind marked by far more rejections than acceptances. “No one cares as much about your story as you do,” Soraya Simi reflects. “My job is to persuade people to care almost as much.”

In 2024, Soraya joined Women’s Economic Ventures through the Accelerate and Thrive Consulting programs. Working closely with advisors Michelle and Jeff, Soraya strengthened both her strategy and confidence. Michelle helped Soraya step back and build toward a long-term vision rather than focusing only on immediate obstacles. Jeff delivered a transformative masterclass in pitching, teaching Soraya how to identify true decision-makers, close deals effectively, and project confidence under pressure.

Those lessons translated directly into measurable growth. Soraya surpassed six figures in gross sales, strengthened profitability, and expanded operations to support two employees. Just as importantly, Soraya developed a deeper sense of assurance during negotiations and investor conversations. Instead of shaking with nerves before pitch calls, Soraya now approaches opportunities with clarity and calm.

“WEV helped me find a level of confidence that translates into every pitch and every opportunity.”

WEV also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of 805 Film Co. With guidance, Soraya made the strategic decision not to pursue nonprofit status prematurely, allowing the organization to grow organically and build a strong case for long-term sustainability. The broader WEV community provided connection, accountability, and camaraderie. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Soraya says. “WEV is one of the first examples I would put forward for that.”

Soraya’s debut feature documentary, Row of Life, took six years to complete and overcame extraordinary setbacks, including the tragic death of its protagonist and the loss of early footage. Despite the odds, the film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and went on an 85-festival tour. It was even placed in consideration for an Academy Award. The film will soon have its online release, marking another major milestone.

At the same time, Soraya has been hired to direct another feature documentary exploring endometriosis, a debilitating women’s disease, featuring prominent voices and untold stories. These achievements signal a turning point. After years of pushing the boulder uphill, Soraya now feels momentum building. “The hard work is paying off,” Soraya says. “It is just going to keep compounding.”

Beyond financial growth and industry recognition, success for Soraya is deeply personal. It is about staying in her lane, competing only with her past self, and knowing she gave her absolute best effort. Soraya is expanding impact locally, teaching film production students at Santa Barbara City College and mentoring emerging filmmakers through 805 Film Co. The focus has shifted from individual ambition to collective growth – strengthening community, amplifying stories, and building sustainable creative infrastructure on the Central Coast.