16 October 2025
Ep 269: Zayn Alexandre: Reclaiming the Arab Narrative — From Beirut to New York
Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby
About
Episode Summary
Lebanese-American filmmaker Zayn Alexandre joins us to discuss his journey from a small town outside Beirut to the heart of New York’s independent film scene. Known for his award-winning films Abroad and Manara, Alexandre shares how psychology, identity, and diaspora shape his storytelling. From the Venice Film Festival to the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Zayn has carved a space for authentic Middle Eastern voices in global cinema. In this conversation, he opens up about cultural identity, representation, and the responsibility of Arab artists to tell stories that challenge stereotypes while embracing universal human truths.
In this deeply personal and cinematic episode, Zayn Alexandre—a Lebanese-American film director, writer, and actor based in New York City—reflects on his artistic journey and the transformative power of storytelling.
His voice reminds us that film is not only art — it’s empathy in motion.🏆 Awards & Recognitions Mentioned
Lebanese-American filmmaker Zayn Alexandre joins us to discuss his journey from a small town outside Beirut to the heart of New York’s independent film scene. Known for his award-winning films Abroad and Manara, Alexandre shares how psychology, identity, and diaspora shape his storytelling. From the Venice Film Festival to the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Zayn has carved a space for authentic Middle Eastern voices in global cinema. In this conversation, he opens up about cultural identity, representation, and the responsibility of Arab artists to tell stories that challenge stereotypes while embracing universal human truths.
In this deeply personal and cinematic episode, Zayn Alexandre—a Lebanese-American film director, writer, and actor based in New York City—reflects on his artistic journey and the transformative power of storytelling.
His voice reminds us that film is not only art — it’s empathy in motion.🏆 Awards & Recognitions Mentioned
- Venice Film Festival – Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days)Khayrallah Art Prize for Lebanese Diaspora ArtSilver Hypatia Award – Alexandria Short Film FestivalAhmed Khedr Award – ÉCU European Independent Film FestivalLaguna Sud Award – ItalyTIFF Filmmaker Lab ‘21Arab America’s 40 Under 40
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