Name: Akram Shibly

Recipient Year: 2017|2018

Major: Screenwriting

Description: Akram Shibly is a young Syrian-American filmmaker born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He started writing poetry and creating films when he was only eleven years old. He earned a degree in Digital Media Production and Philosophy from the University at Buffalo with Great Distinction. After spending hundreds of hours volunteering as a production coordinator for WNYMuslims.org, he established his own production company, True Intent Productions, LLC, with a mission is to serve humanity through enlightening and entertaining films. He was selected as a young leader and mentor for MPAC’s Hollywood Summit and his films have been honored in festivals worldwide. Most recently, his film Waiting at the Door was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the SUNYWide film festival, and has been utilized by Google and YouTube for Good to demonstrate the potential of film as a tool for activism. His independently produced work has been featured on The Huffington Post and several other nationwide publications. 

School Name: DePaul University

Sponsor: Farhat Salve Scholarship

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akram-shibly-485672105/