ZAYN ALEXANDRE
NEW YORK-BASED FILM DIRECTOR
Zayn Alexandre is a Lebanese-American director, writer, and actor based in New York City. His debut short film, Abroad, premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. His follow-up, Manara, received a special screening at the 76th Venice Film Festival (Venice Days) and went on to win over seven international jury awards. A recipient of the Khayrallah Prize for Lebanese Diaspora Art (2020) and an alum of the TIFF Filmmaker Lab (2021), Alexandre was recently named to the Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025, recognizing outstanding Arab Americans shaping culture and community. He holds graduate degrees from Columbia University and NYU. His work explores identity, family dynamics, and generational tension, often grounded in sharp societal critique. His latest short film, Saint Rose, premiered at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival and was selected for a special screening at the 2025 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
RECENT NARRATIVE PROJECTS
SAINT ROSE (2024)
"SAINT ROSE" is Zayn Alexandre's latest short film, following ABROAD (2018) and MANARA (2019). Selected to premiere at the 2024 the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (December 5-14).
→ in the press
“Saint Rose is an appealing short, which presents its comment in entertaining and smart fashion.”
“SAINT ROSE is a thought-provoking exploration of resilience, solidarity, and the quiet ways individuals resist oppressive systems. Through its impressive storytelling, nuanced performances, and emotional resonance, the film captures the strength it takes to endure and the universal desire for freedom.”
“A rewarding meditation in contradiction and the human spirit.”
“A small masterpiece of mood and subtle performance.”
“Gut‑wrenching… Saint Rose hits it out of the park.”
“Saint Rose is a beautifully crafted short film that tackles the toxic effects of patriarchy with intent and sensitivity. ”