SUNDAY__MAY 17__5:00 PM__
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., emerging as a powerful hub for global storytelling. This panel brings together filmmakers, actors, writers, and creatives from South Asia who are building their artistic and professional identities in Houston.
Guests
Ali Jaura, Filmmaker
Fahad Shaikh, Producer
Faisal Rasheed, Producer
Yasir Raza, Filmmaker
Moderator:
Kamran Shaikh, Actor
Kamran Shaikh
Actor
Kamran Shaikh was born in Karachi, Pakistan in 1974. He and his parents migrated to New York in 1980 and lived in Queens for 10 years before moving to Long Island. His breakthrough was an appearance on Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War where he decided he wanted to act for a living. His career in acting as been a fast paced success story since then, landing him major roles on shows like, Law and Order: Organized Crime, OuterBanks, Cobra Kai, Haunted Mansion, Half Baked 2, The Tutor, Ozark, The Resident, NCIS and many more.
Faisal Rasheed
Producer
Ali Sohail Jaura
Filmmaker
Ali Sohail Jaura is a Pakistani filmmaker and commercial director based in New York. With over seven years of experience, he has directed more than one hundred commercials for leading brands, developing a strong visual style rooted in performance and emotional authenticity. His short films have screened at international festivals worldwide, earning over 45 awards. His recent film Murder Tongue received 65 festival selections, including multiple Oscar-qualifying festivals. Now based in the U.S., Ali is focused on telling globally resonant stories shaped by his South Asian perspective and cross-cultural experiences.
Yasir Raza
Filmmaker
Yasir Raza is a Houston-based filmmaker, writer, and executive producer. He is the founder of Banana Roots, an independent production company focused on bold, emotionally honest storytelling across genres – from psychological dramas to satirical comedy.
Yasir’s most recent projects include Jyoti, a psychological feature set in Karachi, and Zoe & Jules – The Audition Tapes, a comedy series built around self-tape culture. In addition to narrative filmmaking, he leads media production for a national homebuilder, blending creative storytelling with high-level commercial work.
Fahad Shaikh
Producer
Fahad Shaikh is filmmaker and theatre personality from his early teens. Originally from Pakistan but based out of Houston, Lisbon and Dubai. He went on to pursue filmmaking diploma from Hollywood Film Institute. His first silent short film was “A Dollar Bill” (2002) for a workshop in Houston. His independent short film “The Veil” (2006), which played at festivals around the world and received an award at WorldFest Film Festival. In 2010 he worked on an international project which was his first feature, in collaboration with 25 directors from around the world named “The Owner.” The film debuted in May 2012 and got a Guinness World Record for most directors in a film. He has been part of Scottish Documentary Film Institute and Arab Film Studio – Imagenation Abu Dhabi Documentary programs. His recent feature film is “Pinky Memsaab” film as a Producer which was released in cinemas and Netflix. He runs film production company with his partners named Shoot At Sight.