ZAHRA PICTURES is an independent motion picture company based in Southern California. It launched in 2004 with the aim of producing and distributing quality films and documentaries that celebrate cultural diversity, contribute to public dialogue and provide a platform of understanding among different cultures with a special interest in stories that showcase the Arab and Muslim experience.
Zahra Pictures’ first film, On Common Grounds, produced and directed by Ahmad Zahra and broadcast on the Hallmark Channel, demonstrates this commitment to dialogue and understanding. Zahra Pictures’ mission is also illustrated in its other productions including its deal with Faith & Values Media, a New York based broadcaster, to produce segments for their award winning daily show, New Morning, that airs on the Hallmark Channel and features stories of ordinary people with extra-ordinary life experiences.
Another goal of the company is to support new and emerging talent in front of, and behind the camera through diverse casting, short film productions, internships and training opportunities. In 2005, Zahra Pictures joined award winning actor Tony Shalhoub and the Network of Arab American Professionals (NAAP) to co-sponsor the 1st Arab-American Filmmaker Competition. In 2006, it made possible a film grant to Cal State University, Fullerton to produce the schools first 35mm student film, Beyond the Fence, directed by emerging Saudi filmmaker, Fahmi F. Farahat.
Zahra Pictures was founded and is headed by Producer Ahmad Zahra and is co-owned by Colorado based investment firm the Dana Group. The company currently has many projects in various stages including AmericanEast, a feature film co-production with veteran film company Distant Horizon, starring Golden Globe Winning Actor, Tony Shalhoub.
