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FILM & STAGE PRODUCTIONS
About
SHA MER ZAA ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2004 by Ali Kiani in Los Angeles, Sha Mer Zaa Entertainment is an
independent production company dedicated to creating captivating and socially
relevant narratives for film, stage, and literature. With a strong focus on diversity,
inclusion, and storytelling that transcends borders, the company believes that the
most potent stories resonate deeply with global audiences. Sha Mer Zaa
Entertainment explores subjects that bridge cultures, amplify diverse voices, and
reflect the human experience in all its complexity.
AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS
The Evolution of Theatre and Drama in the Middle East
Cultural expressions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have a rich tradition, communal narratives, and spiritual connectivity. This tapestry, distinct from the secular drama prevalent in Western cultures, is a unique blend of indigenous traditions and Western influences. This book introduces the rich and diverse theatrical practices developed and matured in the region from the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries.
An Anthology of
non-Western Drama
This anthology contains seven plays from India, China, Japan, Iran, Nigeria, Turkey, and Egypt; and they are placed into chronological periods - from ancient to modern times. This volume, drawn from a wide variety of forms and genres, demonstrates the richness and the diversity of both the traditional and modern non-Western theaters – from Sanskrit drama to contemporary African theater. For each country, there is a brief background of theater history that illustrates how cultural, religious, and political influences shaped the non-Western dramas.
UPCOMING ANTHOLOGIES
Around the Globe in Ten Acts:
Tales from the West
Tales from the West explores individuals striving for better lives while navigating cultural heritage, identity, and societal expectations. It examines the tension between ambition and reality and the sacrifices made to pursue success. Themes of spirituality and morality emerge, contrasting mindfulness with temptation. Family dynamics are central as characters grapple with kinship, belonging, and self-discovery. The collection also critiques socio-economic inequality, the struggles of artists chasing fame, and the commercialization of wellness, highlighting the contrast between personal growth and consumerism.
Around the Globe in Ten Acts:
Tales from the East
Tales from the East is a collection of ten plays, ranging from Sidewalk Gurus (13th-century India) to Nour's Allegory of the Cave (21st-century Afghanistan). Despite their diverse settings, characters, and beliefs, these works incorporate indigenous dramatic elements that have shaped the cultural life of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These plays explore themes such as arranged marriages, women's rights, tribal wars, the caste system, religious hypocrisy, family ties, and Western influence, highlighting the ongoing relevance of traditional narratives in contemporary society.
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