ABOUT

From Cairo to Hollywood: A journey of cultural bridge-building

My Journey

Born in Cairo, Egypt, my path to Hollywood has been anything but conventional. I began with a degree in Egyptology, immersing myself in the ancient stories and cultural heritage of my homeland. But my creative journey took an unexpected turn when I became the frontman of one of Egypt's pioneering heavy metal bands—a role that taught me the power of performance and the universal language of artistic expression.

That musical chapter eventually led me to Chicago, then to Los Angeles, where I built a successful career as an actor, writer, and director. My credits include major roles in Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated American Sniper, as well as guest-starring and recurring appearances on shows like Blindspot, NCIS: Los Angeles, Scandal, and Madam Secretary.

As a filmmaker, my work has been recognized on international stages. My short film Jumper was a Cannes Film Festival Finalist in 2019, and The Pitch won a Silver Telly Award. I also co-created Momo's Amerika, the first Arab-American animated comedy series, which was later acquired by Comedy Central.

Through my production company, Aymanation Productions, I've been producing award-winning content since 2010, always weaving in my deep knowledge of both Middle Eastern and American cultures. Now, as the inaugural leader of the Blackmagic Collective's Middle East Chapter, I'm committed to empowering the next wave of filmmakers across the region, connecting them to global opportunities and championing innovative storytelling.

My Philosophy

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to authentic storytelling that bridges cultures. Whether I'm acting, coaching, writing, or directing, I believe in the power of art to challenge assumptions, celebrate diversity, and reveal our shared humanity.

My unique background—spanning Egyptology, heavy metal, Hollywood, and international filmmaking—gives me a perspective that few others can offer. I use this perspective to help others find their authentic voice while navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.

I'm passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented voices and ensuring that Middle Eastern and Arab-American stories are told with nuance, depth, and authenticity. Through my work, I strive to be a bridge builder—connecting cultures, empowering artists, and creating content that resonates across boundaries.