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Shahd Shahroor
Palestinian Writer - Director
Shahd started off with an outdated camcorder at 8 crafting nostalgic home videos. Her passion grew during high school AV classes, sparking a desire for professional filmmaking. Graduating from Houston Community College's Filmmaking program, she specialized in writing and directing, contributing to numerous projects since. A little tidbit: Shahd's production company, Honey Blackbird Films, is not just a name—it's a reflection of her creative style and identity, drawn from the English translation of her own name.
Despite battling Cystic Fibrosis, Shahd remained steadfast and faced each day with bright optimism. In 2019, she underwent a life-saving double lung transplant. Her script, "Keep Breathing," draws inspiration from her own life, telling the story of a young girl who receives the call for new lungs. Through her work, Shahd aims to serve as the voice for the unrecognized and unheard. In her recent short film "Kufiya," she highlights the Palestinian keffiyeh as a symbol of freedom and resistance.
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Shahd also wrote and directed the impactful short film "Eman" in Palestine, delving into the poignant story of a young girl experiencing a tragedy during the 1948 Nakba. Currently, she is dedicated to expanding this narrative into a feature film. Shahd pushes boundaries to achieve remarkable results in her filmmaking endeavors.
Apart from her work in film, Shahd has a passion for art and painting. Both are a long process that are rewarding to see in its completed state. With an eye for detail and a passion for self-expression, Shahd's natural artistic talent shines through, evident in every frame she captures and every stroke she paints.
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Artist's Statement
Filmmaking isn't just a career path for me; it's a lifelong passion that ignites my soul. Ever since I was a child, I've been enchanted by its ability to evoke emotions, stir hearts, and illuminate the human experience. But more than that, I see filmmaking as a powerful tool—a voice that can amplify unheard stories and shine a light on marginalized communities.
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As a Muslim Palestinian myself, with a family history marked by injustice, I’m in a position to bring these narratives to life. My vision is to use an all-Palestinian and/or Muslim cast, ensuring that the portrayal remains true to the lived experiences of the characters. The music and soundtrack will also serve as a reflection of their culture and traditions. Ava DuVernay, one of my favorite filmmakers, truly captured the true raw emotion that I strive to evoke with her series "When They See Us." With every script I write and every scene I envision, I aim to capture the raw, unfiltered heart of these narratives, giving them the authenticity and depth they deserve.
I carry the hopes and dreams of my people—the Muslims, the Palestinians—who are so often misrepresented and misunderstood in mainstream cinema. I want my audience to feel the pain, the joy, and the resilience of these communities—to walk in their shoes, if only for a moment, and emerge with a deeper understanding and empathy. It's a calling to use my craft not just for entertainment, but for connection.
For healing.
Through my lens, I invest everything into crafting a cinematic experience that goes beyond barriers of language and culture. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to touch hearts, open minds, and inspire change. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact through my work. To strive for a more just and compassionate world—one frame at a time.
