Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker & Academic Focused on Muslim American Narratives; Director of "Americanish" & "Miss Christian Babe"; Faculty in Film Production at University of Florida

Gainesville, FL, USA
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Iman Zawahry Biography

Iman Zawahry is a filmmaker and academic recognized as one of the first hijabi American Muslim filmmakers in the United States. Zawahry's work centers on Muslim American experiences, utilizing humor and storytelling to address stereotypes and expand representation in film and television. Her films have been screened at more than 150 venues worldwide.

Zawahry's early short films established her as a comedic voice in independent film. Her short film "Tough Crowd" received an Emmy Award and led her to become a finalist in the NBC Comedy Short Cuts, where she pitched a sitcom to NBC executives. The film explores the journey of a young Muslim woman pursuing stand-up comedy against her family's expectations. Zawahry continued her work with "UnderCover," earning the Princess Grace Award and selection as a Lincoln Center New York Film Festival Artist Academy Fellow. She has also been named a Sundance Momentum Fellow, Sundance Universal Fellow, and participated in the Warner Bros. Directors Program.

Her debut feature, "Americanish," is among the first American Muslim romantic comedies directed by an American Muslim woman. Zawahry wrote and directed the film with a predominantly female crew. "Americanish" has been screened at 50 festivals globally, winning 25 awards including Best Director and Best Film, and was distributed by Sony Pictures International. The film also received the Audience Award at CAAMFest in San Francisco. Zawahry has directed episodes of the Canadian comedy series "Zarqa" for CBC Gem and produced the feature film "Paperback" alongside "Moonlight" producer Adele Romanski and Sundance alum Adam Bowers. She made her feature directorial debut with the film "Miss Christian Babe," which explores the experience of growing up Muslim in the American South.

In addition to her filmmaking, Zawahry works to expand opportunities for underrepresented voices in the film industry. She co-created the first American Muslim film grant with the Islamic Scholarship Fund and serves as director of film programs for the organization. Zawahry frequently consults and speaks nationally on Muslim representation in film. As an educator, she is a faculty member in film production at the University of Florida, focusing on narrative filmmaking. Zawahry has received the College of Journalism and Communications Mentor of the Year Award, Teacher of the Year honors for both the college and the university, and her student films have earned awards at film festivals nationwide, including Best Film and the university's first narrative film Student Regional Emmy Award.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/05/2026.

Iman Zawahry Videos

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Spring 2023 Graduate Recognition Ceremony Keynote Address

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Spring 2023 Graduate Recognition Ceremony Keynote Address

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Iman Zawahry - UF College of Journalism & Communications

Iman Zawahry on being a Muslim filmmaker, her efforts to mentor and provide opportunities to young filmmakers, and the challenges of using comedy to...

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  • What topics does Iman Zawahry speak about?

    Iman Zawahry is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Entertainment, Muslim, Professors, Television & Film, Women
  • Where does Iman Zawahry travel from?

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Iman Zawahry is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Iman Zawahry for your event is available upon request. Iman Zawahry generally travels from Gainesville, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Sue Obeidi, Cynthia Erivo, Ava DuVernay, Julie Dash and Lena Dunham. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Iman Zawahry for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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