Home-Grown Filmmaker Zenofar Fathima Redefines Storytelling With Activist Ambitions
A pioneer in the world of film, Zenofar Fathima combines her passion for creating movies with meaningful social commentary
A fine blend of glamour and activism, Zenofar Fathima is a UAE-based filmmaker and movie producer whose name is making waves in the film and TV industries. As the CEO of her own boutique film production company, Zen Film Productions, Fathima is a trailblazer in the world of ‘activist filmmaking’—a term that barely existed before her entry into the industry. “With every piece of art I create, the first and most important question I ask myself is, can this help someone or resonate with somebody?” she shares.
With a gift for storytelling that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, Fathima’s latest large-scale project is the OTT TV show Specter: Black Out, the world’s first fictional escape room TV show. Her ability to seamlessly blend gripping narratives with thought-provoking themes has made her a standout figure in the creative world.
Although Fathima has always championed causes close to her heart, she didn’t start out in filmmaking. “I began my journey as a storyteller during my time as a news journalist at a local Dubai channel. It was there that I started gravitating toward stories that could help people in more meaningful ways. I felt fulfilled knowing my work had a positive impact,” Fathima recalls.
Fast forward to 2025, and Fathima has created The Reel Files, an innovative social media anthology series that delivers spine-chilling short stories in just a few minutes. Directed and conceived by Fathima, the series masterfully combines horror, suspense, and sharp social commentary, ensuring viewers are captivated. By February 2025, the series made its way to OTT, with longer episodes now streaming on Zee5 Global, amassing more than 22K followers in just a few weeks.
Riding the success of its initial release, Fathima has solidified her place as one of the UAE’s key home-grown talents. Upcoming episodes of The Reel Files will feature local UAE actors and influencers, further cementing her commitment to supporting homegrown talent. Season 1’s debut episode starred renowned Bollywood actor Nasir Khan, with future episodes promising a blend of Bollywood and UAE-based performers.
In a bold move, Fathima plans to expand the series beyond its horror roots, weaving in social awareness elements that deepen the narrative while maintaining the high-octane suspense that has made it a hit. The series will continue to be released regularly on Zee5 Global, with new episodes dropping every six months in response to public demand for longer content.
With its ambitious new direction, The Reel Files is set to redefine the anthology genre, fusing thrilling entertainment with meaningful social commentary—all while keeping audiences eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Follow Zenofar Fathima’s filmmaking journey and her upcoming projects on Instagram @zenofar_fathima.