Ahmed Sinan (born 19 March 1990) is a Maldivian film director, graphic designer, cinematographer, and editor. He is best known for his work in visual effects and cinematography in the Maldivian film industry, and for co-directing the critically acclaimed horror film 4426 (2016).
Early Life and Background
Ahmed Sinan was born on 19 March 1990 in R. Fainu, Maldives. He began his career in the film industry in 2009.
Career
Sinan made his career debut with Dark Rain Entertainment's production Happy Birthday (2009), working as a title animator and creating visual effects. He subsequently worked on title animations and visual effects for several films produced under various studios.
His most recognized early work came in 2013 with the horror film Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D, directed by Ali Shifau. The film was marketed as the first 3D release for a Maldivian film. Working alone on a single laptop over two months, Sinan completed the visual effects. Though the film received generally negative reviews, its visual effects were widely praised. At the 7th Gaumee Film Awards, Sinan earned his first Gaumee Film Award for Best Visual Effects.
In 2016, Sinan co-directed the horror film 4426 alongside Fathimath Nahula. The film received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the technical quality Sinan brought to the production. 4426 was declared the highest-grossing Maldivian film of that year. At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards, Sinan received his second Gaumee Film Award for Best Visual Effects for this film.
In 2018, he received the National Award of Recognition from the Maldivian government for his contributions to visual arts.
Filmography
Feature Films
| Year | Title | Director | Cinematographer | Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Hulhudhaan | Yes | Yes | |
| 2015 | Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen | Yes | ||
| 2015 | Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey | Yes | ||
| 2016 | Vaashey Mashaa Ekee | Yes | ||
| 2016 | 4426 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2017 | Mee Loaybakee | Yes | ||
| 2018 | Vakin Loabin | Yes | ||
| 2019 | Goh Raalhu | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2019 | Maamui | Yes | ||
| 2023 | Hindhukolheh | Yes | ||
| TBA | Balhindhu | Yes | Yes |
Visual Effects Work
Happy Birthday (2009), Dhin Veynuge Hithaamaigaa (2010), Zaharu (2011), Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (2013), Ingili (2013), Dhilakani (2013), Hulhudhaan (2014), Emme Fahu Vindha Jehendhen (2015), Mikoe Bappa Baey Baey (2015), Vaashey Mashaa Ekee (2016), 4426 (2016), Mee Loaybakee (2017), Vakin Loabin (2018), Goh Raalhu (2019), Maamui (2019)
Accolades
- Gaumee Film Award for Best Visual Effects – Fathis Handhuvaruge Feshun 3D (7th Gaumee Film Awards, 2016)
- Gaumee Film Award for Best Visual Effects – 4426 (8th Gaumee Film Awards, 2017)
- National Award of Recognition – Visual Arts (2018)
- Best Director – Goh Raalhu (1st MSPA Film Awards, 2025)
- Best Cinematography – November (5th Karnataka International Film Festival, 2025)
