Advocacy
In addition to her work in film, Zawahry is dedicated to advocating for underrepresented communities and educating the next generation of filmmakers.
In the Media
The Wrap | Is Hollywood Ready for Muslim Women Leads?
“Name a Hollywood film that has a Muslim woman lead.
Can’t think of one? What about a Muslim women-led comedy directed by a Muslim woman? They are unicorn-rare.”
Al Jazeera | Iman Zawahry discusses barriers for Muslim filmmakers entering the industry during “#MuslimsInFilm” broadcast
TRT World | Iman Zawahry discusses combatting islamaphobia during “Tell Me: How do we overcome Islamophobia?” broadcast
The Writers Guild Foundation | Iman Zawarhy joins the WGF for “Business of Creating: Producing and Marketing Faith-Based Entertainment Projects” panel
Events & Public Speaking
2021
Dreaming Forward | Grad Talk Balk — Moderator
Discussion with Ginella Massa — Host
Muslim Women Organization of Tampa | In Discussion with Iman Zawahry — Guest
ISF | “The Feeling of Being Watched” discussion with Assia Boundoui — Speaker
Writers Guild of America | Discussing Faith in Films with Universal Vice President — Speaker
ISF Film Talks | “Getting Your Idea of the Ground” with Muslim Filmmakers on Clubhouse — Speaker
2020
Women in Film | Discussion with Filmmaker Zeinna Durra — Moderator
Mosquers Film Festival | Navigating Through the Industry as a Muslim — Panelist
Brown Girls Doc Mafia | Women of Color in Television — Panelist
Princess Grace Foundation | Evening with Jon M. Chu to Pitch and Discuss Films — Guest
Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival with UN Women | “Behind the Lens with WOC Filmmakers” — Guest
Greenpoint Film Festival — Speaker
Great Storytellers | Interview with Jackie Olive on FB Live — Host
Changeville | “Storytelling & Social Change” Panel — Panelist
Frank 2020 — Speaker Coach and Curator
BEA Festival of the Arts — Judge
2019
Indie Beat Podcast | Discussing Film, Diversity and Inclusion, and Teaching — Guest
Hippodrome | “Just a Peek Please” Art Exhibition — Speaker
Islam On Campus | “Everyday Muslim Women” Event — Speaker
UF Digital Worlds | “Minority Representation in Gaming” — Speaker
2018
BEA | Minorities Women in Film and Television Panel — Curator
In the Industry
Islamic Scholarship Fund Film Grant
In 2014, the Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting American Muslims in pursuing positions that matter across a variety of fields, launched its first-ever American Muslim film grant.
Zawahry played a key role in developing this initiative, and she currently serves as director. Since its founding, $220,000 has been awarded to emerging filmmakers creating and sharing Muslim stories.
In the Classroom
Islam Media and Pop Culture
Over 6 years ago, as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Florida, Zawahry developed a new undergraduate course, “Islam Media and Pop Culture.”
Her goal was to foster more awareness and understanding about the portrayal of Muslims and other minorities in media and create a way for students to learn how to tell stories that aren’t their own.
Each semester, some of the assignments include a PSA about Muslims and a rap music video featuring something about Islam.
Advisor
FEM Films, student-run female filmmaker organization
ChomPics, student-run production crew
Bluescript, screenwriting society
Lighthouse Productions, student-run production crew creating stories for underrepresented groups
Maintaining the Industry Standard
Under the telecommunications department at UF, Zawahry has championed new undergraduate courses, such as “Advanced Screenwriting” and “Narrative Collaborative Filmmaking.”
Zawahry has aimed to ensure that the curriculum and technology that students are learning and have access to are up to date with the entertainment industry standards to better prepare them for their future careers.