We at the WGF may have hit a pause on our live events, but thanks to technology, we’re aiming to provide more access to advice and knowledge from film and TV writers while we’re all social distancing. Over the next few weeks, we’re hosting free Zoom panels about craft and all things relevant to writers.
For this session, we partner with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau. Muslim creatives are slowly becoming a critical mass in the entertainment industry. While there is so much work to be done, including undoing the damage that resulted in the vilification of Muslim communities, we are seeing more Muslim screenwriters, directors, producers, actors, and others become a force that can’t be ignored. As a result, we look forward to Muslim narratives continuing to change for the positive. Our panelists will discuss how we can speed up the process of turning the tide and making a greater impact on the industry.
Panelists:
Aqsa Altaf, Director (The Lady and the Tiger, The Long Farewell)
Nazrin Choudhury, Writer and Co-Executive Producer (Fear of the Walking Dead, Jack Ryan)
Lena Khan, Writer and Director (The Tiger Hunter)
Zeeko Zaki, Actor (FBI, Valor, NCIS: Los Angeles)
Moderated by Sue Obeidi, Director, Hollywood Bureau of MPAC
Panel begins at 4pm Pacific Time.
Space is limited so RSVP now. After signing up, you’ll receive information on how to access the Zoom panel.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at events@wgfoundation.org.
For anyone who was unable to RSVP for the panel, we will record and post them at a later date.
About the Panelists
Aqsa Altaf
Los Angeles based filmmaker Aqsa Altaf loves to capture moments that feel like they are stolen from everyday life with a cinematic edge. Being raised in Kuwait by Pakistani and Sri Lankan parents in a Muslim household, Aqsa is fascinated with telling stories that are diverse in nature and reflect on subject matters that are universal. She loves to dig for stories, characters, and circumstances that show the audience a part of the world and a side of humanity that usually doesn’t get much attention.
Aqsa graduated from USC School of Cinematic Arts with a degree in Film & Television Production. She was selected as one of the filmmakers to participate in the 2018 Werner Herzog Filmmaking Workshop in the Peruvian jungle where she made a film under Werner Herzog’s mentorship.
Her short film ONE SMALL STEP has won many awards and played at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival 2019. It was also shortlisted for BAFTA Student Film Awards. She was recently nominated for the Young Director Award 2019 at Cannes Lions. She is currently developing her first TV and feature projects.
Nazrin Choudhury
Nazrin is a writer-producer who has written extensively for TV in the US and UK. She is currently Co-Executive Producer on Fear The Walking Dead.
Her other credits include: JACK RYAN, WAYWARD PINES, DAMNATION, BLOOD & TREASURE, DAMIEN, HOUDINI & DOYLE, CASUALTY, CORONATION STREET, DOCTORS, EASTENDERS and WATERLOO ROAD. Nazrin is currently in development on a number of projects across film and television. She is also a member of the Writers Guild Foundation Board of Directors.
Lena Khan
Lena is a Canadian American writer and director. Her first feature film, THE TIGER HUNTER, released in over 60 cities nationwide and garnered effusively positive reviews from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and more. Fresh off of her first film, Disney tapped Lena to direct FLORA AND ULYSSES, a live-action family comedy that is currently in post-production.
With a background from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television and experience at noted production companies such as Participant Media, Lena spent years directing short films, commercials, and music videos before embarking on her first film. Lena and her work have been profiled in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, USA Today, and The New York Times. She was also listed as one of the 25 Screenwriters to watch in MovieMaker magazine.
In the last year, Lena has sold two television shows, completed production on FLORA AND ULYSSES, and is overseeing development by a prestigious and delightfully kooky writer for a screenplay she will direct.
Zeeko Zaki
Zeeko Zaki was born in Egypt and moved to Philadelphia as a child who only spoke Arabic. His love for acting came only a short time later, beginning with performing in school plays and eventually leading him to the small screen.
Zaki currently stars as Special Agent Omar Adom ‘OA’ Zidan on CBS’ drama series “FBI” created by Emmy Award winner, Dick Wolf. In a role that was adjusted to represent his background, Zaki’s presence as a Muslim Arab-American lead on a network series marks a significant milestone. As an advocate for changing the narrative of Arab and Muslim representation in television, he hopes to accomplish this in his role as ‘OA’. “FBI” will return for its third season on CBS in Fall 2020.
His previous television credits include reoccurring roles on FOX’s “24:Legacy,” History Channel’s “SIX,” CW’s “Valor, NBC’s “The Night Shift” and CBS’ “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Zaki has also begun working alongside the IRC (International Rescue Committee) to support their efforts in providing assistance, resources and a voice for refugees in the United States and beyond.
About the Moderator
Sue Obeidi
Since the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)’s Hollywood Bureau was launched in 2011, Sue Obeidi has blended the love of her faith with her love of film, television, and digital series to change and expand the narrative of Islam and Muslims in the entertainment industry.
Obeidi and her team ensure that MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau is a partner with the entertainment industry. Behind the scenes, Obeidi engages decision-makers and creatives to improve the quality and number of authentic, nuanced, and inclusive presentations of Islam and Muslims so that audiences can see Muslims as vital contributors to creating social and cultural change in America and around the world. She also enriches the pool of Muslim talent in Hollywood by nurturing and connecting them to those who can assist with their careers, both on the creative and business sides of the industry.