Biography

Hamzah Saman is a dedicated and driven professional in Hollywood, seamlessly balancing his work as a sought-after casting director with a thriving acting career and passionate advocacy for inclusive representation. As the first Arab American and Muslim member of the Casting Society of America (CSA), he holds a unique position and uses his platform to champion diverse talent.

In 2011, Saman founded Arab American Casting, a game-changing platform that has become essential for connecting Hollywood productions with talented MENASA actors. This initiative has helped numerous actors launch their careers, thanks in part to Saman's vision for pioneering online auditions, which have democratized access to opportunities for actors worldwide. The Arab American Casting community now thrives with over 5,200 members, a testament to its impact and reach. As the casting director on JACIR, a film that was under consideration for an Oscar nomination in 2023, Saman's commitment to authentic storytelling and diverse representation is clearly evident.

Saman's commitment to diversity extends beyond casting. His "Diversity in Hollywood" Facebook group (with over 100,000 members) and his regular discussions with industry professionals and actors have become vital spaces for crucial conversations about representation, equity, and inclusion. Recognizing his expertise and dedication, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation invited him to lead an acting workshop, further solidifying his role as a mentor and leader in the community.

A SAG-AFTRA actor with over 110 IMDb credits, Saman's on-screen work ranges from films like "Rogue Warfare" (which soared to Netflix's top 10) and "I Am Gitmo," to a recurring role on "General Hospital," and a guest appearance on Netflix's "Lucifer."

With over 80 five-star Google reviews, Arab American Casting's positive influence is undeniable. Hamzah Saman is dedicated to building a more inclusive and representative Hollywood, and he's excited to continue empowering emerging artists and shaping the future of the industry.
- IMDb mini biography by: Alexis S.

Arab Actor

The idea for Arab American Casting was sparked on the set of the Oscar-winning film Argo (2012), where, for the first time in years, Hamzah Saman felt "home" while greeting fellow actors in Arabic with "Habibi.".

The Artios Validation: His nomination for the 41st Annual Artios Award for Exception is considered a validation of his core mission: that authentic casting is a creative advantage for high-level Hollywood productions.

The collective following for the Arab American Casting and Diversity in Hollywood platforms totals between 70,000 to 100,000+ followers across various social media sites.