Ziad's remarkable career as a multifaceted creative force, encompassing the roles of director, producer, and writer, has garnered an astonishing total of over fifty prestigious awards and honors, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
His most recent production, the highly acclaimed Tunisian film Take My Breath, has achieved unprecedented success, earning the esteemed distinction of representing Tunisia at the 2025 97th Oscars, where it will be vying for the coveted title of Best International Film.
Ziad's impressive professional portfolio boasts a diverse array of creative endeavors, including the development, production, and direction of the thought-provoking film "Hello Beautiful", which was inspired by the best-selling novel "Walk Beside Me" penned by Christine Handy.
In the early stages of his illustrious career, he was instrumental in bringing to life the cinematic masterpiece "The Flower of Aleppo", a project that showcased the exceptional talents of renowned actress Hend Sabry.
In addition to his work on "The Flower of Aleppo", he also lent his expertise to the Iranian film "Forbidden Womanhood", serving as an executive producer on this critically acclaimed project.
Furthermore, he demonstrated his versatility as a filmmaker by taking the helm of the dramatic thriller "Irrefutable Proof", a movie that would go on to make a significant impact at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, where it would sweep the competition, earning a total of three of the festival's highest accolades.
Ziad's professional accomplishments in the film industry are marked by a prestigious honor, the Black Pearl Award for Best Producer, bestowed upon him by the esteemed Abu Dhabi Film Festival. This distinguished recognition was earned for his work on the thought-provoking film Always Brando, which made its global debut at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival.
The documentary film "The Letter: An American Town and the Somali Invasion" made its highly anticipated premiere at the prestigious AFI film festival, where it garnered widespread acclaim and attention. Subsequently, it was selected as the opening film at the esteemed Amnesty International film festival, a testament to its significance and impact. The film's impressive run continued as it went on to win numerous awards and accolades, a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of its creators.
Ziad's documentary film, Woman, garnered widespread acclaim, capturing the essence of Syria through its cinematic lens. The film's impressive credentials included the prestigious Golden Palm Award, bestowed upon it by the esteemed Beverly Hills Film Festival. Furthermore, Woman received the coveted Best of Fest Award from the renowned Breckenridge Film Festival, solidifying its status as a standout in the world of cinema. Additionally, the film was honored with the Accolades Award for Excellence in Film, a testament to its exceptional storytelling and technical prowess.
Kevin Thomas, renowned film critic for The Los Angeles Times, has bestowed upon his feature film Shadow Glories a glowing endorsement, hailing it as a "Powerful and distinctive" cinematic masterpiece. Thomas's laudatory review goes on to extol the film's numerous virtues, describing it as "A mature, accomplished work" that showcases the director's "strong, stylish and uncompromising" vision.
Noted thespian Ziad left an indelible mark on the world of theatre, spearheading the creation of not one, but two remarkable theatrical establishments, The Open Fist Theatre Company and The Egyptian Arena. As the visionary Artistic Director of the esteemed Open Fist Theatre, Ziad took great pride in bringing esteemed international playwrights to the Los Angeles theatre community, demonstrating his remarkable expertise by directing and producing an impressive array of over sixty major stage productions that garnered widespread acclaim.
Professor Ziad is a renowned educator who has the privilege of teaching a range of advanced and graduate-level courses in the fields of filmmaking and photography at the esteemed Lesley University.
As an accomplished academic, Professor Ziad holds multiple advanced degrees that have equipped him with a deep understanding of his subject matter. He earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in directing from California State University, Fullerton, a prestigious institution known for its strong programs in the arts.
In addition to his MFA, Professor Ziad also holds a Master of Arts (MA) in writing and criticism from California State University, Los Angeles. This degree has provided him with a solid foundation in the principles of effective writing and criticism, skills that are essential for any filmmaker or photographer looking to share their vision with the world.
Professor Ziad's academic journey did not stop there, as he also earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in theatre from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. This undergraduate degree laid the groundwork for his future success as a filmmaker and educator, providing him with a broad-based education in the performing arts.
