I’m Navida Stein, an actress, writer and producer based in New York City. In 2024, Big Pup Lil Pup Productions was born to create cinematic stories from an older woman’s POV and combat the “invisibility syndrome” that women in their 50’s and upwards experience. Since then, I’ve made 5 diverse short films: a drama, two comedies, a dramedy and a sci-fi romance and these shorts are now being submitted to film festivals. All these films were produced and written by me – and I act in four!

Just started writing my first feature – MidWest Motel! The wonderful journey continues, and I’m delighted to work and collaborate with extraordinary people.

Update on my latest short, Old Neighbors. Shot in the Hudson Valley in October 2025, it is nearing completion. Delighted to work again with actor D.C. Anderson and director & cinematographer Katy Frame! Composer/pianist David Gaines is writing the music for the film.

Thumbprint Cookies is an official selection 2025 for the Sugar Loaf Film Festival, 2026 Worldwide Women’s Film Festival and 2026 Fredericksburg Film Festival! NOT IN IOWA ANYMORE is an official selection for the 2026 Iowa-Nebraska Film Festival.