Biography

Taher Gawad is an Arab-American writer and director based in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. As a film student, he spent most of his time studying the social, economic, and cultural impact of cinema. While specializing in critical writing, research, and media production, he developed a more profound sense of how to craft a story, create compelling characters, and engage audiences from start to finish. In 2022, Taher directed his debut narrative independent short film, "Aya with Him." With films like this he seeks to humanize Muslim characters while aiming to uncover the diversity of their experiences.

Ultimately, Taher strives to cultivate authentic narratives that transcend literary & cinematic mediums to amplify underrepresented and marginalized communities. He aspires to shatter and prevent the perpetuation of stereotypical Muslim representations by writing, producing, and directing genuine narratives. He's confident that he can purge these negative stereotypes with the help of like-minded collaborators while leaving a memorable, positive, and entertaining impact on humanity. While his mission as a filmmaker is to share the cultural significance and nuance of the Muslim community, his goal as a member of the film industry is to contribute to a larger body of work that affects the way we understand and reflect on the human experience.
- IMDb mini biography by: Taher Gawad