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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
Seven Acts:
Tales from the West
This anthology includes plays set in Germany, France, Mexico, Canada, and the United States, offering a nuanced perspective on life in Western societies. It follows individuals striving for better lives as they navigate cultural heritage, identity, and societal expectations, exposing the tension between ambition and reality and the sacrifices needed to achieve success. Themes of spirituality and morality recur throughout, contrasting mindfulness and ethical reflection with temptation and excess. Family dynamics remain central, as characters wrestle with kinship, belonging, and self-discovery. The collection also touches on socio-economic inequality, the struggles of artists seeking recognition, and the commercialization of wellness, highlighting the uncomfortable divide between true personal growth and consumerism.
Around the Globe in
Seven Acts:
Tales from the East
This collection, spanning from medieval to modern times, includes plays from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Using oral storytelling, epic poetry, ritual performances, classical theater, and medieval drama, these plays showcase artistic traditions deeply connected to local history and collective memory. They explore enduring social and moral issues such as arranged marriages, women’s rights, tribal conflicts, caste systems, religious hypocrisy, family loyalty, and Western cultural influence. These themes highlight the ongoing significance of traditional stories and demonstrate both societal continuity and change. The plays foster a continuous dialogue between the past and present, strengthening cultural identity and enriching a vibrant theatrical tradition that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Around the Globe in
Seven Acts:
Tales from the Canon
This anthology takes readers on a journey through diverse cultures, histories, and theatrical traditions, showing how individuals face challenges, navigate moral and social pressures, and seek meaning, connection, or freedom in chaotic, oppressive, or absurd settings. At its core, it reflects on the Canon—the collection of literature, performance, and artistic traditions that shape cultural memory and influence our understanding of human experience. Each piece reexamines classic stories, motifs, or theatrical styles, illustrating how enduring narratives illuminate contemporary struggles and connect the past to the present.
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