In a world dominated by big film studios and recognizable household names, rising talents often break through with authenticity, passion, and a unique voice. Izabel Pakzad is one such emerging star whose journey in the entertainment industry is increasingly capturing attention. Not just known for her acting credits, Pakzad has expanded her creative footprint by writing and directing projects that explore compelling themes and stories. With a growing body of work, international film festival appearances, and a background that spans acting, writing, and directing, her name is rapidly becoming synonymous with fresh Hollywood talent and artistic integrity.
Early Life and Background
Izabel Pakzad was born in New York on January 2, 1996, and has roots that reflect a multicultural background, reputedly including Iranian and Greek descent. Growing up in a diverse environment likely influenced both her worldview and her artistic perspective from an early age.
Pakzad pursued formal education before diving headfirst into entertainment. She earned her undergraduate degree in advertising and publicity from Penn State University, a foundation that helped shape her understanding of media, communication, and audience engagement — useful tools for someone entering the film industry. She later continued her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in integrated design, business and technology from the University of Southern California (USC), further solidifying her creative and strategic skills.
Pakzad’s education uniquely blended creativity with practical industry knowledge, giving her the tools to not only perform in front of the camera but also develop and produce content behind the scenes.
Acting Career: From Television to Feature Films
Pakzad’s early career involved appearances in various television and film projects, helping her build experience and exposure as an actress. Some of her earlier credits include roles in the HBO series The Deuce and the television show Baker’s Dozen. These roles may not have been lead performances, but they were pivotal in helping her understand the workings of high-profile television production and preparing her for more ambitious creative endeavors.
She also appeared in the 2020 blockbuster Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), playing one of the characters in the ensemble cast. Films like this provided Pakzad with opportunities to work in large-scale productions alongside established actors, giving her valuable on-set experience and insight into Hollywood’s dynamic world.
Directorial Debut and Creative Vision
What sets Izabel Pakzad apart from many of her contemporaries is her transition from acting into filmmaking. Pakzad first made significant waves as a creative force with her short film Don’t Worry, It’s Gonna Be OK (2022), which she wrote, directed, and starred in. This project was not just a personal statement; it was a critical success, earning Best Short Film at the 2022 LA Film Festival.
The film served as a proof of concept — showcasing Pakzad’s ability to craft engaging narratives and execute them at a high level. This achievement laid the groundwork for her next and more ambitious filmmaking venture.
Find Your Friends (2025) – A Feature Film Journey
Pakzad’s first feature film as director and writer is Find Your Friends, announced in 2024 and released in 2025. This thriller tells the story of a group of friends on a trip to Joshua Tree who encounter hostility from locals, weaving themes of tension, survival, and psychological friction. The film stars notable names such as Bella Thorne, Helena Howard, Chloe Cherry, Zión Moreno, and Sophia Ali, indicating Pakzad’s ability to attract established talent to her creative vision.
Pakzad described the project as her “biggest dream come true” and revealed that a personal experience in the desert played a significant role in shaping the story. This personal investment in her work demonstrates her commitment to storytelling that resonates emotionally and thematically with audiences.
Public Presence and Social Impact
Alongside her professional work, Izabel Pakzad has developed a strong presence on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she shares insights into her life, travels, and creative process. With a significant following, she engages with fans and builds a community around her artistic endeavors.
Her travel posts — from destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and London — reflect a lifestyle that combines creative exploration with global cultural exposure. This international living and traveling perspective likely influences her artistic sensibilities and contributes to the deeper narrative tones in her filmmaking.
Personal Life and Public Interest
Pakzad has been in a long-term relationship with actor James Franco, which began around 2017. Despite an age gap and Franco’s highly publicized career and controversies, the couple has remained supportive of each other. They have made occasional public appearances together at film festivals and cultural events, including the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and the Torino Film Festival in 2025.
However, both Pakzad and Franco maintain a relatively private relationship, choosing to share limited aspects of their personal lives publicly. Pakzad’s own social media presence focuses more on her professional journey and travel experiences rather than her relationship, showing her commitment to being recognized for her own work rather than just her personal life.
Navigating Challenges and Industry Pressure
Like many artists navigating Hollywood, Pakzad’s journey has involved its share of challenges. Establishing a foothold in a competitive industry requires perseverance, networking, and adapting to changing creative trends. However, her educational background, early acting roles, and transition into filmmaking suggest a strategic and determined approach to her career.
Being a woman director also places Pakzad within an important broader cultural movement: the push for greater representation of women in film and behind the camera. Her success at festivals and ability to helm a feature project with known actors represent progress in an industry long criticized for gender disparities.
Style, Influence, and Artistic Identity
Pakzad’s artistic identity combines intellectual depth, narrative tension, and character-driven stories. Her transition from performer to storyteller highlights a creative courage that many emerging filmmakers aspire to adopt. Whether focusing on personal experiences or broader cultural themes, her work reflects an ambition to tell stories that matter and touch audiences meaningfully.
Her background in advertising and communication also equips her with a unique perspective on how stories are perceived, marketed, and connected to broader audiences — a valuable asset in today’s media landscape where storytelling and branding often intersect.
The Future of Izabel Pakzad
As she continues to build her portfolio with both acting roles and directorial projects, Izabel Pakzad’s future looks promising. With festival appearances, feature films, and ongoing creative pursuits, her influence is set to expand.
Her journey illustrates the path of a 21st-century filmmaker: one who leverages education, experience, personal storytelling, and digital platforms to build a career that resonates both publicly and artistically.
From her early acting roles to her work as a writer and director, Pakzad represents a generation of multifaceted creators shaping the future of entertainment.
Conclusion
Izabel Pakzad’s rise in Hollywood is both inspiring and instructive. From her early days in television to directing her own films, she has demonstrated versatility, determination, and a commitment to meaningful storytelling. Her ability to balance acting with directing, alongside maintaining a growing public presence, positions her as a rising force in the entertainment world.
As she continues to evolve her craft, audiences can expect Izabel Pakzad to remain a name associated with creative ambition and artistic innovation.
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