NYWIFT Blog

By Mariana Valencia

Welcome to NYWIFT, Zineb Oukach!

Zineb Oukach is a Moroccan actress, writer, and filmmaker. She began her acting career in Morocco before moving to Paris to study theater at Le Cours Florent. 

She later relocated to New York City, where she has worked across film and television, including the feature film Rendition alongside Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin. In recent years, Zineb has expanded into writing and directing. 

Her short films Interruption and Fresh Kills both earned Oscar qualifications in 2023 and 2025. After watching Interruption, Sigourney Weaver praised Zineb’s work as a filmmaker. 

Zineb is currently writing a period drama TV series. 

New NYWIFT Member Zineb Oukach

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

I was born and raised in Morocco, and I’ve called New York City home for the past 15 years. I started my acting career in Morocco, then studied theater in Paris before moving to the United States for work. I’ve been working as an actor, and for the last three years, alongside my acting career, I’ve written and directed my own films. 

New NYWIFT Member Zineb Oukach is part of a panel.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

After making my first short film as a writer and director, I realized how valuable a strong creative community is. Most of my cast and crew were women, and that experience showed me the importance of supporting one another and sharing our stories.

Since New York is home to me, joining NYWIFT felt like a natural way to connect with other women in our industry, continue learning and contribute to the creative community we have. 

Zineb Oukach at Cinema Village

How has your Moroccan identity inspired your way of storytelling?

Being Moroccan shapes the way I see every story I tell. For example, in my short film Interruption, I explored the overturn of Roe v. Wade through the lens of its global impact, especially on women in North Africa. 

Today, I’m also developing stories rooted in the history and legacy of North Africa, including stories that have shaped my own heritage. My identity doesn’t define the subject matter, but it always influences the questions I ask and the perspective I bring to the story. 

Interruption By Zineb Oukach

What films, actors/actresses, and stories have inspired your way of writing and creating? 

It’s difficult to choose because I’ve been inspired by so many filmmakers, actors, and stories over the years. If I had to pick a film that shaped my visual language, it would be L’Avventura by Antonioni. I’ve watched it many times, and its image composition has had a lasting influence on the way I think about framing. 

As an actress, I’ve always admired Monica Vitti. Her performance in The Red Desert has stayed with me. She is also a talented comedian. 

When I begin writing a film, I usually keep one or two reference films in mind. For my short film Interruption, one of the biggest inspirations was the German film Barbara by Christian Petzold. 

For Fresh Kills, I looked to the spirit of the French New Wave, especially A Bout de Souffle by Godard. I was working with a very limited budget and shooting in New York City without permits, which naturally gave the film a raw, spontaneous energy. I decided to embrace that by shooting in black and white and framing the film in a square aspect ratio. Unlike my first film, which I shot in scope to give it a more expansive, Western feel, Fresh Kills is set within the city, so I wanted a more intimate and constrained visual language.

Zineb Oukach attending the New York Short International Film Festival

What is the most fulfilling aspect of being a performer and artist? 

The most fulfilling aspect of being a performer is feeling alive and free. You get to step into the lives of people who are completely different from you and see the world through their eyes. You have to understand them, have empathy for them, and defend them without judging them. I think that expands your heart and makes you more compassionate. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay consistent and never give up. Keep doing the work every day, trust the process, and don’t lose sight of why you started.

Zineb Oukach in Wolf of Wall Street

What project(s) are you currently working on that our readers should be on the lookout for?

Right now, I’m writing a period drama TV series, which is very exciting. It’s in the development phase, so I can’t share too much about it yet, but I hope I’ll be able to soon. 

Connect with Zineb Oukach on Instagram at @zineboukach

(All images courtesy of Zineb Oukach)