Rayan Khairallah, also known as Ryan Kay, was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Jihad Khairallah, an architect, and Nadeen Roufael, a sculptor.
Growing up in a home where creativity and innovation were ever-present, Kay's artistic instincts were nurtured from a young age. From his father, he absorbed the intricacies of spatial design and environments, which later shaped the foundation of his visual storytelling. His mother's sculptural practice and sense of form instilled in him a refined eye for aesthetics and detail.
Kay began playing the piano at three and the guitar at eight, sharpening his auditory sensibilities and enriching his ability to weave stories with evocative soundscapes. This early immersion in both design and music profoundly influenced his creative development.
In 2021, Kay wrote and directed "Coalescent", his debut short film, a sci-fi thriller that earned awards at international festivals in Los Angeles, London, Arizona, Madrid, and Beirut, marking him as a bold new voice in contemporary cinema.
His creativity and distinctive aesthetic quickly drew attention within the industry. His films are defined by their fusion of complex character work, striking visuals, and immersive soundscapes, all of which reflect his architectural and musical roots. Kay is committed to crafting a holistic cinematic experience that seamlessly taps into his audience's perception of the world.
He compels them to watch, observe, and experience the film.
Growing up in a home where creativity and innovation were ever-present, Kay's artistic instincts were nurtured from a young age. From his father, he absorbed the intricacies of spatial design and environments, which later shaped the foundation of his visual storytelling. His mother's sculptural practice and sense of form instilled in him a refined eye for aesthetics and detail.
Kay began playing the piano at three and the guitar at eight, sharpening his auditory sensibilities and enriching his ability to weave stories with evocative soundscapes. This early immersion in both design and music profoundly influenced his creative development.
In 2021, Kay wrote and directed "Coalescent", his debut short film, a sci-fi thriller that earned awards at international festivals in Los Angeles, London, Arizona, Madrid, and Beirut, marking him as a bold new voice in contemporary cinema.
His creativity and distinctive aesthetic quickly drew attention within the industry. His films are defined by their fusion of complex character work, striking visuals, and immersive soundscapes, all of which reflect his architectural and musical roots. Kay is committed to crafting a holistic cinematic experience that seamlessly taps into his audience's perception of the world.
He compels them to watch, observe, and experience the film.
