Jay Manari

Jay Manari is a non-binary, award-winning director with a passion for crafting compelling narratives in period dramas, romance, and coming-of-age stories.

With a strong foundation in both independent filmmaking and high-end television, Jay has demonstrated exceptional directorial skills, bringing evocative storytelling and artistic vision to every project.

In June 2025, Jay was selected to join the Directors UK Inspire Cohort ().

In June 2024, Jay was nominated 'Filmmaker of the Month' by My First Job in Film Company, the largest community of emerging filmmakers in the UK.

Jay started out working on independent films and commercials both in Europe (Italy) and in the U.S (California - LA & New York) back in 2014 where he worked with LA producers, such as Ed Polgardy, and, in the last years, in the UK, with series producer Jon Jennings, assisting directors like Ben Taylor (known for popular shows like for ‘Sex Education’) and Amanda Brotchie (known for ‘Gentleman Jack’).

Since August 2025, Jay has been shadowing on ITV dramas, while also working on Rings of Power Season 3.

In 2018, Jay founded MiraBan, an Arts & Entertainment running film events, online film courses, and networking opportunities, such as the MiraBan UK Film Awards (MUFA), a British, London-based, Film Festival focused on diversity in auteur movies.

Member of Film Hub London and winner of the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, MUFA provides a spotlight for under-represented, emerging, and experienced independent auteur filmmakers.