ZIARA FILMS
Crafting Authentic Black and African Inspired Stories.
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ABOUT ZIARA
“Ziara” is a Swahili word that means journey— and that’s exactly what this is. A journey to take back the way Black and African stories are told.
If you’re anything like us, you’re tired of the same tired narratives — the trauma-heavy storylines, the one-dimensional characters, the kind of representation that feels more like a checkbox than something real. Where’s the joy? The magic? The messiness? The texture?
That’s why Ziara exists.
We’re here to tell stories that feel full — stories with soul, depth, and beauty. Stories that move you. That stay with you.
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OUR VISION
At Ziara, we dream big. We’re here to create epic African cinema — bold, breathtaking, and unforgettable — inspired by productions like The Woman King.
From gripping blockbusters to intimate series, from film festival gems to groundbreaking animations, we aim to tell African and Black stories on every screen. One day, we even hope to collaborate with studios like Pixar to bring African-inspired animation to life.
Too often, African cinema stays confined within the continent — seen only by us. Ziara is changing that. Our goal is to take these stories to the global stage — to create films that move the world, not just represent it.
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UPCOMING PROJECTS
We’re currently focused on creating slice-of-life dramas that dive deep into character journeys and present honest, emotionally rich storytelling. Our work explores the beauty in everyday moments—the quiet, the messy, and the in-between. Each project aims to reflect lived experiences with nuance, care, and a touch of boldness, packed with a soundtrack that uplifts local artists and brings the stories to life.
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Crowdfunding Link
Pitch Deck
Growing, set to begin filming in mid-May, is a coming-of-age drama following four Black girls as they navigate their final summer before adulthood in Toronto. Honest, messy, and deeply human, the series explores friendship, identity, and the quiet moments that shape who we become.
About Me
Hey, I’m Aaliyah Wangari (S.N), founder of Ziara Films. I began as an aspiring actress in Toronto, but quickly noticed the lack of roles that truly reflected who I was—or the kinds of stories I wanted to tell, so I decided why not make one?
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"We are as a species addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories."
- Jonathan Gottschall
