Filmmaker Iman Zawahary discusses her journey as one of the first hijabi American Muslim directors. She highlights the challenges of securing funding, especially as a Muslim woman, and the importance of audience awards over critic accolades. Iman shares her experiences growing up in a small Florida town, navigating racism, and using comedy to cope. The conversation touches on the diverse cast of her film "Americanish" and the film's impact in challenging stereotypes. Iman urges support for the film's theatrical release and emphasizes the need for diverse stories in mainstream media. Follow Iman on Instagram @imanzawahry Find ticket and showing information for Americanish at https://www.americanishfilm.com/intheaters Produced by Rifelion Media. Hosted by Asad Butt Edited by Ari Mathae Music by Simon Hutchinson For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com.    We wanna make the podcast even better; help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4   Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices