About

CHIMERA CASTING is a New York City–based global casting house founded by filmmaker, casting director, and producer Avani Parikh Dhar, specializing in diversity casting, authentic ethnic representation, and connecting creators, brands, and productions with exceptional international talent and cultural tastemakers.

Partnering with filmmakers, agencies, brands, and production companies to build meaningful collaborations across film, television, commercials, branded content, print, and editorial, Avani’s approach combines global reach with deep cultural insight, ensuring every project is cast with authenticity, nuance, and intention.

With more than two decades of experience in independent film, she brings a unique perspective shaped by having lived and worked across four continents and building a reputation for discovering compelling talent and championing stories that reflect the diversity of the world we live in.

Avani began her career on one of India’s groundbreaking feature films exploring same-sex relationships and HIV/AIDS, an experience that continues to inform her commitment to inclusive, socially conscious storytelling. She is passionate about collaborating with emerging filmmakers and bringing ambitious, character-driven, and lean-budget indie projects to life.

Projects she has worked on have screened at internationally acclaimed festivals including Cannes, Slamdance, AFI Fest, Dances With Films, Tasveer, and the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF).

CHIMERA CASTING believes authentic casting creates stronger stories and brings truth, depth, and cultural authenticity to every project.