profiles

MFA—Film and Media Arts, University of Utah

Ash Soltani Stone is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and educator specializing in documentary filmmaking, cinematic storytelling, and emerging media. With more than a decade of experience across both the film industry and higher education, his work brings together creative practice and critical inquiry, with particular attention to underrepresented communities, cultural identity, and global narratives.

He is the director of the internationally recognized documentary Rez Metal, which screened at more than 45 festivals worldwide, including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. He is also co-author of Rez Metal: Inside the Navajo Nation Heavy Metal Scene, published by the University of Nebraska Press. His other films have screened at international festivals and venues and have received multiple awards. His broader creative work spans documentary, narrative, and experimental filmmaking, with current projects exploring transnational histories and music cultures.

A Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Utah, Soltani Stone has extensive experience in academic leadership, curriculum innovation, and student mentorship. At Morgan State University, he serves as Chair of the Department of Multiplatform Production, where he is leading efforts in curriculum alignment, portfolio-centered learning, and the integration of AI and emerging media into creative production. His teaching emphasizes hands-on storytelling, industry-relevant skills, and preparation for careers across film, media, and digital platforms.