About Me
Josh Daniel Santos is a filmmaker based in the UAE whose work explores dynamics and emotions that connect us. Working predominantly across writing, directing, and production design, he is drawn to stories that help audiences see themselves in others and leave with something to reflect on.
His background in acting has shaped the way he approaches filmmaking, placing character and performance at the forefront of every project. Whether it's developing a screenplay, directing actors, or building the visual world of a film, he strives to tell stories that feel lived in and intentionally crafted.
His work has been recognised at the Black Sheep Film Festival, receiving awards for Production Design and Best Actor, alongside nominations across documentary, sound, acting, and production design in its 13th and 14th editions.
Josh is currently building a growing body of narrative and commercial work while continuing to collaborate with filmmakers across the UAE. He is always looking for meaningful stories, thoughtful collaborators, and opportunities to create work that stays with people long after the credits roll.
Behind The Sets
![Calling all child actors in the UAE to the front!
P3 is a group of student filmmakers based in the UAE who aim to shoot a Short Drama / Comedy titled “hello?” for our graduating project, early February 2026 and are looking for actors to join our cast!
We aim to submit this Short film into film festivals both locally and internationally.
We are looking for actors to play:
👦🏻 DANNY
Age: 10 [if they are older but can pass for younger, they are applicable]
Ethnicity: Asian / Asian Passing
Brief: Danny is a bullied timid, squeamish kid with an ultimate desire for friendship and connection.
👦🏼 CONNOR
Age: 10-13 [if they are older but can pass for younger, they are applicable]
Ethnicity: White
Brief: Connor is the leader of the pack that likes to pick on Danny. He’s arrogant, abrasive and taunting.
👦🏽 AHMED
Age: 10-13 [if they are older but can pass for younger, they are applicable]
Ethnicity: Arab / Open To Any
Brief: Ahmed is Connor’s partner in crime who pick on Danny. He’s rough and intimidating, second to Connor.
Do you have what it takes to be comfortable in front of cameras and work on set?
Then let us know if you fit the descriptions, and get in contact with our Producer regarding further information.
Contact info:
Sultan Mamaev
Producer
WhatsApp no:
+353 83 882 4135
Email:
sultanmamaev@gmail.com
*roles are paid.
#CastingCall #CastingCallUAE #CastingCallDubai #Audition #ActingInTheUAE](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/619905941_17919429753248394_7080001893412689727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=OwkhGOvcJSoQ7kNvwEjei7N&_nc_oc=AdpyndbWLTNeUiUAHJ3CQ5YYF6zVXqmmDY0dDjCcF2O_P0xBK6DEX4taVf-P5mEWw_w&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGZZEllBIIkpuHkaIiVJ89KJTU3jsv-lDiH2lpPMKlA2W0O-Hm9eGwk2-Xj4CalY96WE_pIxrtb&oh=00_AQBNyV1MS9dskbWg_qGHFDy6Uj1T3YzPuYXgVqN-oPMXRw&oe=6A5FF69D)
![WHITE [2025] BTS • A film by Russel Heidi Paz
@paramounthoteldubai presents We Create Drama Season 4, with #WHITE being one of the selected films.
It was such an honor and fun time to be able to work alongside Russel again but this time be under her wing as she directs her film, WHITE.
Despite the overnight shoot being exhausting, it was still a thrill and fun experience to be able to participate in some capacity.
Congratulations Russ, and to the rest of the cast and crew! The dedication paid off and am always happy to help in one way or another; whether it be in front of the cameras or behind.
Starring:
@aaryaveer.06 as Harry
@joshdxniel as Chris
@sai.varanasi as Bartender
Written & Directed by: @heidrsl
Producer: @_kinjall_03
DOP: @sultan._.m333
Editor: @heidrsl
Dialogue Sound Editor: Arshia Mokhayer
BTS: Anmol Afzal
Special thanks to @paramounthoteldubai @paramountmidtownhotel
& @paramountpics for this opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and actors
Here’s to more projects together, and here’s to #Paramount’s #WeCreateDrama Season 5 next year 😎
#filmmaker #filmmaking #filmmakersworld #filmmakerslife #filmmakerlife #filmmakerlifestyle #independentfilmmaker #independentfilmmaking #independentfilm #independentfilms #independentfilmmakers #studentfilmmaker #studentfilms #studentfilm #studentfilmmakers #paramountpictures #paramountstudios #paramounthotel #shortfilm🎞📽⚡️ #shortfilmmaking #shortfilm #shortdrama #saedubai #filmsociety #wecreatedramaseason4 #filmfestivals #director](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/523368046_17898869148248394_2479099350628650778_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=xs-rp35zWKMQ7kNvwGS2i9G&_nc_oc=AdpDdpEyI4jvjh-fuWHi9e3dT_qP-L-FnaZzSYGQKPQgxNc77NflQSAfvRbaTgnU-nY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG5yeoxHDZHMliP8KRlaEiw2svzLg88xFIOIYKLr2QmWW2UxwoT4cdcaXvSGI71G7Gn49eT0BHp&oh=00_AQATNC3Agl1fq4O1zkJdxEj488Pmq2WrODO7WUB3ZwEEaQ&oe=6A6002BE)
![FRESH MEAT. [2026] Short Documentary • BTS
A @pineapplepizzapictures Production, in collaboration with @infinity_focus_dxb
Throwing back to some behind the scenes photos and videos throughout Pre-Prod-Post for my, Josh Daniel Santos, short documentary.
All while my crew and I had an entirely different vision and contributor for our documentary, we ultimately had to pivot into tackling another subject matter in such a tight span of time.
We ultimately decided to go lean towards the Poetic Documentary angle, as I took to my own traumatic experiences, in hopes of some form of catharsis and vulnerability.
The documentary quickly ended up becoming a lot more personal and sensitive than I could have anticipated, so having the rest of the team be there with me throughout with open ears and the willingness to dive into something raw and potentially taboo on the surface level, made the entirety of the project production a lot smoother.
Shoutout to the team for going along with my vision and helping it come to life. This documentary is close to my heart and means a lot to me, and hopefully would mean a lot to others that may find themselves in the same position I share in said documentary.
Starring:
@sultan._.m333 as Creepy Disgusting Old Man.
Directed & Written by: @joshdxniel
Producer & 1st AD: @pollismit_
DOP: @krishii._.naik
Editor(s): Mohamed Jarkji, Sultan Mamaev
Colorist(s): Krishii Naik, Sultan Mamaev
1st AC: @sultan._.m333
Sound Engineer: @mvrad.wav
Special Thanks to Al Saada Meat Shop.
#filmmaking #filmmaker #director #filmdirector #documentary #shortdocumentary #poeticdocumentary #filmmakers #filmmakersworld #filmmakerslife #independentfilm #independentfilmmaker #independentfilmmaking #studentfilm #studentfilmmaker #studentdocumentary #filmstudent #filmstudents #dop #doplife #filmproduction #filmproducer #productiondesigner #productiondesign #freshmeat #pineapplepizzapictures #infinityfocus #sae #filmdocumentary](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/521761706_17898111486248394_2770996937615876765_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=JARHlGIhR7gQ7kNvwFy-pJs&_nc_oc=AdoqMWO4sQIk1YN3F_WxhmpmRspKxQJrjxziERY-9mLMQMhJXhpcQZaNDfXTSbRxI-E&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQF4y8Omisd2UX94ABfKsVE5JE0uTSnl2pwWvR-xHsKSSQeaoR0aV3By_qAbaJu1aq_y07qPbG3s&oh=00_AQBV82mGdv_xQgXpHsISpFbbLOnAbgczz21E53Hc4TaVmw&oe=6A60007E)
![THE JOURNEY SO FAR
Film Projects in the UAE ive been involved in at some capacity or another, helping me finesse my skills as an actor & filmmaker.
This filmmaking journey so far has been such a whirlwind of emotions, and hard work, and has paved ways for me to work with so many different kinds of filmmakers with different styles and walks of life.
All drama aside, which I’m now learning is just second nature when you’re in such an industry haha, being able to have worked with these people at some capacity, at some point of time, will be commemorated as being a pivotal stepping stone in my practice to refining my craft and becoming a more well-rounded and polished filmmaker; credit to everyone that’s been involved or that’s involved me regarding these film projects.
The Source [2023] Short Film • Dir. by Arfaz Mohammed, Sultan Mamaev // Actor
MOMENTOUS [2024] Short Film • Dir. by Riccardo Ver // Producer
Rocketship [2024] Short Film • Dir. by Josh Daniel Santos // Actor, Director
A Marriage Story [2024] Scene Recreation • Dir. by Josh Daniel Santos // Director
Blade Runner 2049 [2024] Scene Recreation • Dir. by Polina Churdaleva // Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street [2024] Scene Recreation • Dir. by Mohammed Jarkji, Saeed Bashrahil // Actor
Rewind to Success [2024] Short Film • Dir. by Nadia Janoudi Arnaout // Actor
The City [2024] Experimental Film • Dir. by Nigel Takura // Actor, Production Designer
Kaleidoscope [2024] Experimental Film• Dir. by Dmitrii Kravtsun // Actor, Audio Recordist
Underneath It All [2024] Music Video • Dir. by Joshua, Yasaman Dehghani // Actor
Through Fog & Haze [2024] Music Video• Dir. by Hijazi Zaiton, Omar Chamandi // Production Designer
The Birth of A Female Model [2025] Experimental Film• Dir. by Omar Chamandi // Production Designer
A Bad Apple [2025] Short Drama • Dir. by Arfaz Mohammed // Production Designer, First AD
Marionette [2026] Capstone Project • Dir. by Naiara Young // Actor, Production Designer
Run, Nadia, Run [2025] Short Film • Dir. by Josh Daniel Santos // Director, Production Designer
FRESH MEAT. [2026] Poetic Documentary • Dir. by Josh Daniel Santos // Director](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/486719982_17884738257248394_848661586089294994_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=MLKTPrpAM_gQ7kNvwFSfh7n&_nc_oc=AdrOtFQctwqfoocPq-B28J5scpB-Mf8UzS356Qfgq662i9Q6FpYvwDRf4iOz_hzVBsw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHq5D00gwio78-SQuzE9VZxNrdrrgfCpNrNg2p9ompzZnEPKxwj-8N4bxaPhVcoUpknsPIW1K9q&oh=00_AQAGjzPVTKkFZrQhf6MsZbHrkHBrLohY7G60jOtfoMNE7w&oe=6A5FE897)
![A Bad Apple - Official Trailer [2024]
A short film by @vantablackprd , in collaboration with @pineapplepizzapictures
Starring
@maven_thepoet as Chester Dane
@theguy2follow as Mark Leland
@zaraki.no.koe as TV Presenter
Directed & Written by: @nearmythical
Produced by: @theguy2follow
DOP & Gaffer: @sultan._.m333
Production Designer & AD: @joshdxniel
Edited & Colored by: @zeus.the_thunderer
Audio Recordist: @zeus.the_thunderer
BTS Handler: @joshdxniel
Special thanks to the Associate Producers:
@28millimetr3s
Jumana Essam M Hakam
Trailer Edited by @joshdxniel
#film #filmmaker #director #filmmaking #screenwriter #directing #filmdirector #screenplay #productiondesigner #productionlife #shortfilm #studentfilm #studentfilmmaker #shortdrama #ABadApple #VantaBlack #pineapplepizzapictures](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/470153708_17871566301248394_7657986516984175194_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=qLfxC4qsplUQ7kNvwFFuWHA&_nc_oc=AdoSpqNxlJ3Kom3VSkolzVaxTHFV9FwWFRA6eOkPsf-z1NXpLdayc_ZMoavEXR23Mzc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG3O26DTW8VsS6Raciu1RyhoYs3QO0Sbq94-LWwvXWpZSQYIqC0xTKNH3NixGsYK3sIVS-vJMIm&oh=00_AQCHAacYZW8eFyUUhtR7vwE_R_HprGZrqvQ34Vl3rSAwRw&oe=6A600A08)
![“soulmates, basically” [2024] written by Josh Daniel Santos (@joshdxniel).
Here is an excerpt of the first 4 minutes of a rough draft from one of the few screenplays I am jumping between writing.
This is a story about the dynamics and complexities of gay-straight dynamics and explores said relationships in different ways throughout.
I wanted to go back to writing queer oriented stories as I typically enjoy writing stories that I can draw inspiration from my own experiences, or wherein I can somehow incorporate said experiences and emotions into; so this felt like a no brainer/natural to me.
I was able to write the first 11-12 pages of the screenplay all within a span of 4 hours because it just felt so natural to me. Of course, there is still a lot of editing and tweaking and completing to do when it comes to this story but here’s a glimpse of the first few pages to get an idea of where the general story is headed (and even then, this doesn’t reveal the story in its entirety 😉).
Also, fun note: This title used to be for another screenplay I was working on around 2020-2021 but never completed or expanded upon. I decided to take the title and give it to this story instead. Funnily enough though, there are huge similarities between both screenplays so it doesn’t feel like I’ve really taken anything from the previous one significantly.
#film #filmmaking #filmmaker #writer #screenwriter #screenplay #screenplaywriter #screenplaywriting #moviescript #queerfilmmakers #queerfilm #director #directing #screenplays #screenplaywriter #soulmates #gaywriter #filmstudent #independantfilm #independantfilmmaker #queerstories #romcom](https://scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/655967139_18107249170862770_3181888555511440449_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=iJ7RnSR47hUQ7kNvwHygf4P&_nc_oc=AdoWUSob-gZ2Zug4z90DdkPVa0KkevnJQQsYddpkSeBSWHdbKR5u4prGnuQKAIxyZF0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-den2-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7maFOoyd3uPyZP4ESautRQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGVSlH32wDFHshkRKJmmWnerIx7yVgzgv87zvGSQU-hfJIW-W8y_tvRh6Fztw22LzREVOzvdwjK&oh=00_AQACScsKTa6WusakVvF7j5vXK5uoL92VdW7T5dUNtPRZFg&oe=6A5FF6A4)
