Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakiya Shabazz.
Hi Zakiya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Zakiya Amirah Shabazz, though I am professionally known as Amirah Amor. I am 32 years old and have been involved in the film industry since 2019. While I have worked in the industry for several years, I am now finally bringing my own stories to life as a filmmaker.
My passion for storytelling began long before I ever stepped behind a camera. In the third grade at Tom Landry Elementary School, I discovered my love for writing in Mrs. Mizeek’s English class. Writing became my escape a place where I could create worlds, inspire others, and express myself freely. Every day, I would write original stories and share them with my classmates. Their excitement and anticipation for each new story fueled my passion and showed me the power that storytelling could have on people.
Although I didn’t always dream of becoming a filmmaker, I always knew I wanted to be a visionary storyteller someone who could bring meaningful stories to life through powerful visuals. As I grew older, I became fascinated by the many elements that make a great film. Every detail matters: the tone, mood, cinematography, music, performances, and the message that stays with the audience long after the credits roll. Looking back, I realize I had always been studying films without even knowing it. Today, I have the privilege of creating them myself.
In November 2023, everything changed during a trip to Oregon aboard an Amtrak train. That journey became a turning point in my life. It was there that I made the decision to fully commit to becoming a filmmaker. Around that same time, a dear friend named Cassandra believed in my dream before it became a reality. She invested in my very first camera—the same camera I continue to use today and encouraged me to enroll in film school when filmmaking was still just an idea in my mind. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue what had once seemed impossible.
Today, I am proud to be producing my very first feature film, which is scheduled to premiere in theaters in August 2026. This milestone represents years of perseverance, faith, hard work, and the unwavering support of those who believed in me. My journey has taught me that dreams don’t happen overnight, but with dedication, resilience, and the courage to take the first step, they can become reality. This is only the beginning of my story, and I look forward to sharing many more stories with the world through the art of filmmaking.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like many aspiring filmmakers, my journey has come with its share of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was simply believing that becoming a filmmaker was possible. For years, filmmaking was just a dream, and I wasn’t sure where to begin or how to turn that dream into reality.
Another challenge was finding the financial resources to pursue my passion. Starting in the film industry requires equipment, education, and networking, all of which can be expensive. I was fortunate to have a friend who believed in me enough to invest in my very first camera, and that support gave me the confidence to take the next step.
Learning the craft has also required dedication, patience, and perseverance. Attending film school, balancing responsibilities, and producing my first feature film have all come with long hours, unexpected obstacles, and moments of self-doubt. However, every challenge has taught me something valuable and strengthened my commitment to storytelling.
Rather than allowing those struggles to stop me, I chose to use them as motivation. Each setback has helped shape me into a stronger filmmaker and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Today, as I prepare for the theatrical release of my first feature film, I can confidently say that every obstacle has been worth overcoming.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Amirah Amor?
Amirah Amor ENT, is an independent film production company dedicated to creating compelling, entertaining, and meaningful stories that resonate with audiences. Our mission is to produce high-quality films that not only entertain but also inspire, connect people through storytelling, and provide opportunities for emerging talent in the film industry.
We specialize in narrative filmmaking, including feature films, short films, and cinematic visual storytelling. Our focus is on developing original stories with memorable characters, strong visuals, and authentic performances. We also provide video production services, including commercial, promotional, and branded content for businesses and organizations.
What sets Amirah Amor ENT apart is our commitment to building a collaborative environment where creativity comes first. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to showcase their talent, whether they are experienced professionals or individuals looking for their first break in the industry. We are passionate about creating opportunities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and production quality.
As a filmmaker, I pay close attention to every detail from the script and cinematography to the music, tone, and emotional impact of every scene. My goal is to create films that leave audiences laughing, thinking, and feeling connected to the story long after they’ve left the theater.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is producing my first feature film, *Saturday*, which is scheduled for a theatrical release in August 2026. Bringing this project from an idea on paper to a completed film has been an incredible journey and represents years of dedication, education, perseverance, and faith.
I want readers to know that Amirah Amor ENT is only getting started. Our vision extends far beyond a single film. We are building a brand focused on original storytelling, cinematic excellence, and creating opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers, actors, and creatives. Whether through feature films, commercial productions, or future entertainment ventures, our goal is to produce content that audiences remember and enjoy for years to come.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
If I had to choose one quality that has contributed most to my success, it would be **perseverance**. The journey to becoming a filmmaker has not been easy, and there have been many moments when giving up would have been the easier option. However, I have remained committed to my vision and continued moving forward despite challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty.
I also believe that having faith, maintaining a strong work ethic, and being willing to continuously learn have been essential to my growth. Every project teaches me something new, and I approach each opportunity with the mindset of improving my craft. Success in filmmaking doesn’t happen overnight it takes patience, resilience, and the willingness to keep creating even when the path isn’t clear.
Perseverance has allowed me to turn a childhood passion for storytelling into a career, and it continues to motivate me as I work toward building Amirah Amor ENT and bringing meaningful stories to audiences around the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_amirahamor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LZqTRZuMx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirahamorent/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmirahAmorFilmz
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amirah-amor-houston?osq=amirah+amor&override_cta=Request+an+appointment
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/amirah-amor-686641959
