Our Recent Work (Playlist)
Our Origins
After building a loyal following on TikTok with off-the-cuff storytelling and political observation, musician, Writer/Director, Actress and Content Creator UMNIA founded OBSCURAE Productions, after formal training at Raindance Film School, in Summer 2023. Prior to this, she had produced multiple Solo Short Films during lockdown.
In 2024, the company's first Music Video, "DOPAMINE" won Best Film by Popular Vote at BIFA/BFI qualifying Brighton Rocks International Film Festival, and "Best Short Film" at Saturn Returns Film Festival (Part of Unrestricted View Festival, dedicated to Female Filmmakers). OBSCURAE's next film "All About My Son", was selected for the 16th edition of LGBT+ Film Festival Poland.
Also in 2024, the Spec Pilot script "We Need Space" ranked as a Quarterfinalist in the ScreenCraft Drama Competition, and in the top 18% of all Coverfly Scripts. In addition, the short film script "Adam for Everyone" was also ranked in the Top 24%.
With a decorated 2024, the company moved into 2025 with immediate effect, filming the micro horror short "LISTEN." - a film about wilful ignorance, that is currently going out to Festivals. (Screener on request). OBSCURAE is also producing the documentary on the COVID Conscious community, and the impact of COVID on our global systems of power and infrastructure.
About Umnia El-Neil
Umnia El-Neil is a British-Sudanese artist with over 13 years of experience across music, film, and content creation. Known for her political commentary on TikTok, her artistry is defined by satirical observational political wit and character-driven conflict.
In 2024, El-Neil’s films earned awards at the Brighton Rocks International Film Festival and the Saturn Returns Film Festival, and she placed as a quarterfinalist in the 2024 Screencraft Drama Competition. Her films and scripts have been celebrated for their poignant simplicity, nuanced storytelling, and dynamic characters.
In addition to her filmmaking, El-Neil writes film and media reviews for her publication, OBSCURAE Media, and has covered major festivals such as BFI Flare, BFI London Film Festival, TIFF, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and Sundance London. She also served as a script reader for the Austin Film Festival in 2024 and has worked as a script editor for independent features since 2023.
Beyond film, El-Neil is a beloved independent musician who has been releasing records for over a decade. Her music has been featured by BBC Introducing and the NBA, and she composed the theme for the Audible Original podcast ‘My Body, My Choice’.