Iman Zawahry Gives TedxUF Talk on Reframing the Image of Muslim Women in Film
Iman Zawahry, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) Media Production, Management, and Technology senior lecturer, was one of six presenters at the TEDxUF’s 16th annual conference held on April 12 in the University Auditorium in Gainesville, Florida.
Following the theme “Metamorphosis,” six visionaries and changemakers gathered to explore how we can actively shape a future in constant flux.
In her talk, “How Do We Reframe the Image of Muslim Women in Film?,” she focused on how distorted portrayals of Muslims—especially Muslim women—have shaped public perception and identity. She drew from her own experiences from growing up in the Deep South with little to no authentic media representation.
She unpacks the legacy of Orientalism in film and media, and how it has fueled stereotypes that persist today, while highlighting the importance of empowering Muslim storytellers to reclaim their narratives. Through humor, heart and her award-winning film “Americanish,” Zawahry showed that authentic, joyful and diverse stories can challenge systemic misrepresentation and inspire real change.
“We are the authors of our own narratives,” Zawahry said. “We need to be bold, be authentic and pursue them without fear.”
Category: College News
Tagged: Americanish Iman Zawahry MPMT TEDxUF
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