Mawahib Ismail

Being an artist starts with declaring it—proudly and boldly claiming the title without shame or fear. This website is me taking a significant step in that direction. I started as a dreamer and a thinker. I was the kid who listened to a song and could envision each frame, color, costume, prop, frame size, and camera movement in my head. The kid who would write poems on anything writable because I needed to make sense of something, of anything. The kid who wanted to sing and dance for others to make someone feel less alone. My name is Mawahib Ismail, and I am an artist. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, and now based in NYC, I am a filmmaker, writer, poet, actor, and so much more! I began my professional journey with my short documentary, Very Sincerely Yours, which explores the cyclical nature of being a Black student activist across two different generations. The second short film in my journey was co-producing a short titled Peach Fuzz. Inspired by The Geography of Girlhood by Kirsten ‘Kiwi’ Smith (who also serves as our Executive Producer), Peach Fuzz follows 15-year-old Penny in the PNW as she navigates self-discovery, envy, and poor choices, reminding us we are both our authentic selves and our lost versions in need of love. Recently, I wrote, directed, and acted in my short film, Hooyo Macaan. Hooyo Macaan tells the story of Samira, a recent post-grad who, at a Somali tribal party, tells her mother she is pursuing poetry instead of engineering. Samira, like me and many others, is figuring out where and if she is wanted. I am also a writer, having created, maintained, and edited my Substack titled Mawahib’s Thoughts, where I write essays on pop culture, films, and general prose. My Substack also includes music reviews, poems, and media analysis. As I think about the future and what my artistry will look like. I see it continuing to be community-centered, showcasing stories that haven’t been told, and centering vulnerability in all I do. I also look forward to collaborating with artists from various disciplines such as music, dance, and visual arts, blending diverse perspectives and techniques to create rich, multifaceted works that resonate deeply with a broader audience. Being an artist is an important role that deserves all the respect and reverence one can muster. I am grateful for the work I have done and so excited for the work I will continue to do!