ANGELA MRAD – Award-Winning Filmmaker & Media Personality
“I am a storyteller, a world-builder with a camera and a vision.”
– Dr. Angela Mrad
In a world where storytelling is power, Angela Mrad stands tall as one of the most influential voices in international cinema. A trailblazing filmmaker, actress, writer, and TV personality, Angela has redefined narratives through her artistic lens. With films that challenge social norms and uplift women’s voices, she was recently crowned with one of the industry’s highest honors:
WINNER of the prestigious title of Best Women Filmmaker in the World.
Recognized as a Success Story USJ by Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth and celebrated worldwide, she continues to inspire a generation of creatives. In this exclusive ICON Edition, Angela opens up about her journey, vision, and the transformative power of cinema.
Q: Angela, how do you define your journey in cinema so far?
Angela Mrad: It’s been intense, beautiful, and deeply human. I started as a young woman with a camera and a strong sense of purpose. Over the years, every frame, every story I told became a part of who I am. From Feminization to The White Scarf and today with Abreaction, I’ve tried to give voice to women’s experiences—raw, real, and unapologetic.
Q: You describe yourself as a “storyteller and world-builder.” What does that mean to you?
Angela Mrad: To me, cinema is more than just visuals and sound. It’s architecture for the soul. When I create, I’m building entire emotional landscapes. I want the audience to live inside my films—to feel the textures, hear the silence, cry with the characters. Storytelling isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.
Q: Your film Feminization won international acclaim. What inspired it?
Angela Mrad: Feminization was born from real stories. It’s a reflection of the struggles, strength, and complexity of women, particularly in Arab societies. I wanted to create a piece that confronts stereotypes but also celebrates resilience. It’s one of my most personal works.
Q: You’ve received multiple honorary doctorates and served on juries across the world. How do you see your role in the global film scene?
Angela Mrad: I see it as a responsibility and an honor. Being the first Arab woman as a jury member in international film festivals in Bollywood is more than personal success—it’s breaking barriers. I stand there not just as Angela, but as a voice for many others who haven’t been heard yet.
Q: You’re also a prominent media figure. How does that blend with your filmmaking?
Angela Mrad: Being a media personality, TV and radio host has helped me connect with people beyond the screen. It brings immediacy to my voice. Filmmaking is about crafting narratives, but media gives me a live platform to influence, educate, and uplift.
Q: What advice would you give young women entering this industry?
Angela Mrad: Own your vision. Don’t wait for permission. Your voice matters—especially in spaces where it hasn’t been heard. And remember, success isn’t only about awards, it’s about impact.
Q: What’s next for Angela Mrad?
Angela Mrad: The rest is still unwritten.
Angela Mrad is more than a filmmaker. She is a visionary, a pioneer, and a voice for change. With a camera in hand and conviction in her heart, she’s building a world where stories heal, empower, and endure.