In September 2012 Sara El Sharawy arrived as an international student at the University of Guelph to study Software Engineering.
Born and raised in Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt, she grew up participating in robotics competitions and science fairs, and was recognized nationally in Egypt with several awards and scholarships.
She decided to attend the University of Guelph after applying to multiple schools with her twin sister, the pair were accepted here and they made the trip together.
Ms. El Sharawy’s original intention was to pursue a degree commonly accepted and approved by her culture and within her country — but after taking a course in Film Studies — everything changed.
“There are many misconceptions about Muslim women,” said El Sharawy.
In the media, and in the film industry, it is uncommon to see a woman wearing a head scarf either on-screen or behind the scenes.
“People ask me, ‘Are you not empowered?’” said El Sharawy.
It is this type of misconception and question that has propelled her further into pursuing a career in the film industry. She hopes to dispel the myths perpetuated in the media, and tell the true story of Muslim woman – story of empowerment, strength, and integrity.
El Sharawy is currently in her final year at the University of Guelph, and has switched her major to Marketing, a subject that she feels goes well with film studies.
She continues to take film courses, and has found many opportunities already to further her networking in the industry.
In 2014, she completed a filmmaking certificate at Ryerson University.
She has been involved in short films, various community projects, and recently attended the Cannes Film Festival as an Intern. She was given the opportunity to meet filmmakers and producers, and network with people in the business.
In July 2016, El Sharawy attended a Summit Program in Los Angeles, run through the Muslim Public Affairs Council. The opportunity is for aspiring minority filmmakers.
She added that although there is a lot more work to be done in the industry in dispelling myths and stereotypes, and having more visible minorities in the industry, there are programs available to provide opportunities. And she is seizing as many as she can.
“It’s still hard to find people who are accepting of visible minorities,” said El Sharawy. “We need more diversity, it is quite challenging to be honest.”
El Sharawy has received challenging questions and concerns on both sides. People in the industry don’t understand her or her faith, and often wonder if there’s a place for her. Sh feels that family members and the general consensus of her culture does not see the value of pursuing a career in film.
As she continues to find new opportunities, and achieve new milestones, she is also finding more and more support on both sides.
“There are certain principles and messages I am trying to hold on to,” she said. Holding to her principles and faith in an industry that sometimes is lacking any principle can be difficult, and another hurdle she must climb.
She continues to spread her message, even locally.
A member of the Muslim Students Association at the University of Guelph, she is active in starting honest conversations about inclusion, interfaith dialogues, and increasing common ground.
The association, under El Sharawy’s guidance, recently organized a Islam Awareness Week. It received the “Be The Change Award” by the university. It was an honour for El Sharawy, and one more success to keep her motivated in pursuing the ultimate goal. “I’ve felt empowered to continue,” she said.
She feels that Guelph has been the perfect community to pursue her dreams. The community has been supportive of her. While she continues to share her passion for her culture, urging others to see the value of sharing the importance of female Muslims in the industry, she continues to find support locally.
For now, El Sharawy hopes to learn about every aspect of the film industry. Her goal is to be immersed in the collective craft. For the future, Sara would like to write and direct films, and is most interested in historical dramas.
“I want to collectively help all diversity groups,” she said.
