Natalie Murao is a Japanese Canadian director, writer, and creative storyteller. She aims to expand the notion of Asian diasporic cinema by creating an in-betweenness of styles that embody the diaspora itself. A BFA graduate of Simon Fraser University, she has received mentorship from Sundance Ignite, VIFF Catalyst, and Experimental Forest Films. Her short films have screened at TIFF Next Wave, Palm Springs ShortFest and on CBC Gem. She was associate producer on INAY (MAMA) and writer and creative producer on THE CHEF AND THE DARUMA - both audience favourites and award-winners at VIFF 2024.