Ukrainian cinematographer Nana Nabi (Nana Nabiieva) is rapidly building an international career in the film industry

Her debut feature film as a operator — the mystical thriller Beach Town Maidens, shot on Long Island — has already attracted the attention of Canadian distributors and may continue its festival run on major international platforms, including the Toronto International Film Festival.

Nana Nabi began her professional journey nine years ago as a producer at an advertising agency. She later moved to France, where she worked in the fashion industry, producing campaigns for niche clothing brands. Another major step in her career came in 2020, when she relocated to London and enrolled at the London Film Academy, where she earned a master’s degree in filmmaking.

She actively worked on short films, music videos, and commercial campaigns.

It was this experience that became the foundation for her transition into feature filmmaking.

Over the course of three years, from 2023 to 2026, Nana Nabi had the opportunity to work on two feature-length narrative films and three feature-length documentaries.

"This period became my true entry point into the world of feature filmmaking. It gave me professional credibility, opened doors to new opportunities, and allowed me to fully express myself creatively."

Beach Town Maidens is an atmospheric mystical thriller filmed on Long Island, in the famous Hamptons area.

Particular attention was given to the film’s visual style. Working within the limitations of a modest budget, the creative team sought unconventional technical solutions to create the feel of a high-end cinematic production.

"We created shots that would normally require complex and expensive equipment entirely through our own efforts. These limitations pushed us to develop an unconventional cinematic language — and that ultimately became our advantage."

Nabiieva notes that, conceptually, the camera was intended to function not merely as a technical instrument, but as an active participant in the story.

This approach received especially warm feedback during the film’s presentation at the Cannes Film Market.

Together with the director, lead producer, and lead actor, Nana Nabi presented Beach Town Maidens to international sales agents and distributors.

According to the camerawomen, the team held dozens of meetings and received highly positive professional feedback.

Canadian distributors have shown the strongest interest so far and are currently negotiating exclusive North American distribution rights for the film.

"The response from industry professionals gave us tremendous support," says Nana Nabi.

The film has also generated considerable interest on Long Island itself.

Since the movie was filmed in the Hamptons with strong support from the local community, one of the region’s major film festivals has already invited the team to join its official program as special guests.

A final decision has not yet been made, as the team is also considering larger international premiere opportunities.

However, the invitation itself reflects the strong level of local interest in the project.

In addition to this, Nabiieva continues to work in documentary filmmaking.

Among her confirmed international premieres is a documentary project about the legendary band Gypsy Kings in Monaco.

In May 2026, the documentary ranked first in the UK segment of Amazon Music Documentaries.

For Nana Nabi, this serves as further confirmation that her name is becoming increasingly recognized within the international professional film community.