Meet Lena Khan
Lena Khan has flipped the script with just her presence in the film world, making a different subset of women feel seen!
As one of the first directors in Hijab, Lena Khan has empowered a community of storytellers that have been underrepresented for far too long. Her most recent work includes Disney’s Flora and Ulysses(2021), but her first feature film, The Tiger Hunter(2016) showcased utter brilliance in establishing Desi humor and culture into the mainstream.
With a reputable cast, holding names like Danny Pudi, Rizwan Manji, and even Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Header, Lena Khan has excelled at working with amazing talent so far.
She holds a deep dedication to bringing original and innovative stories into the limelight. Khan has been named as one of the best up-and-coming female directors to watch in Alice Initiative's "List of Emerging Female Directors”. As her name continues to circulate in writer’s rooms, it’s important to note the influence she holds in producing works that center around under-acknowledged Desi cultural topics! Ranging from parental standards and influence in their child’s life, relationships, etc to ideas of new wave feminism, she dares to switch up the flow of storytelling and utilizes compassionate perspectives in her directing style.
“I want to do something good in the world, and that’s why I chose this profession”
Lena Khan is one to watch as the years go on; her work deserves complete recognition for its humorous glimpse into a different reality for some. Her film sets have consistently made room at the table for diverse individuals all aiding in the creation of various molds of the story. Hollywood needs to start taking the hint that diversity is essential to the journey of cinema.
For more on Lena Khan, please check out her awesome interview with Splinter here.
