In a world where filmmaking often leans toward entertainment and commercial success, there are artists who choose to use their craft as a tool for awareness, advocacy, and change. Zenofar Fathima is one such artist. The Dubai-based Indian filmmaker, actress, and entrepreneur has carved a niche in the film industry by intertwining storytelling with social activism. As the CEO of Zen Film Productions, she has produced and directed over 20 short films, shedding light on critical societal issues such as cyber extortion, depression, domestic violence, and internet safety.
Zenofar’s journey into filmmaking was not conventional. Originally working as a journalist, she found herself hosting a food show called Food Addict, which introduced Malaysian cuisine to Dubai. However, her passion for storytelling soon took a new direction.
“This experience sparked an idea: creating short films centered around social awareness,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
What started as minute-long educational films soon grew into more ambitious projects, including her latest, Specter: Black Out, the world’s first fictional escape room TV series available for streaming on Zee5 Global. With Season 2 in development, Zenofar continues to expand her creative reach while staying true to her mission of bringing real-life issues to the forefront.
The subjects of Zenofar’s films are deeply personal. “Everyone faces issues in their lives, such as depression,” she says. “Unfortunately, some individuals take the wrong steps to cope with these challenges. That’s where my filmmaking comes in. I strive to showcase the positive aspects of a situation so that people can learn from my work and make informed decisions.” Her choice of topics often stems from real experiences, whether her own or those of the people around her. Through her films, she hopes to educate and empower audiences to make the right choices rather than succumbing to negative influences.
One of Zenofar’s most notable projects, Ayah – The Power of Dua, was a collaboration with Firdaus Studio by A.R. Rahman in 2022. The meta-spiritual short film explored themes of faith and hope during challenging times, earning international acclaim and multiple awards. This experience cemented Zenofar’s belief in the power of film to inspire and uplift.
Despite her success, Zenofar acknowledges that the road for female filmmakers, particularly in the UAE, is not always easy. “I’ve encountered challenges stemming from a lack of support and the need to fight to ensure my creative vision is realized,” she admits. But she is not one to back down from adversity. “Nothing worthwhile comes easily, and nothing is impossible to achieve.” Her advice to aspiring female filmmakers is simple yet profound: “Prioritize developing strong, compelling content. Solid content will pave the way to becoming a better filmmaker. While obstacles are inevitable, learning to navigate them effectively is crucial for success.”
Zenofar’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her work has received international recognition, including being featured on a Times Square billboard in New York. For her, this milestone was a reflection of her commitment to creating meaningful stories that resonate with people worldwide. “We all face challenges and issues, and I strive to create strong content that provides solutions or at least offers a sense of understanding,” she explains. “Being on the Times Square billboard and receiving international recognition was a truly significant achievement.”
As an artist who continuously evolves, Zenofar is not one to rest on her laurels. She is currently working on The Reel Files, an anthology series designed to spook audiences within a minute. “It’s a fascinating creative challenge, demanding precise storytelling and skillful use of filmmaking tools to build suspense in such a limited timeframe,” she says. She is also exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into her filmmaking process. “While the core of our work will always be driven by compelling narratives and strong content, AI offers exciting new possibilities as an additional ingredient in our filmmaking recipe.”
Beyond her career achievements, Zenofar’s work is guided by personal values and principles that shape her creative process. “One of my favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin, who said, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail.’ This mantra resonates with me because meticulous planning is essential to achieving success.”
Looking ahead, Zenofar hopes to leave behind a legacy that is rooted in authenticity. She is keenly aware of how rapidly evolving technology can sometimes dilute the originality of filmmaking. “My goal is to inspire the next generation of filmmakers to remain true to their vision and values, even in the face of ever-changing industry trends,” she says. By doing so, she envisions a cinematic landscape rich in creativity, diversity, and emotional resonance.
