In this powerful and personal talk, filmmaker Iman Zawahry explores how distorted portrayals of Muslims—especially Muslim women—have shaped public perception and identity, drawing from her own experiences growing up in the Deep South with little to no authentic media representation. She unpacks the legacy of Orientalism in film and media, and how it has fueled stereotypes that persist today, while highlighting the importance of empowering Muslim storytellers to reclaim their narratives. Through humor, heart, and her groundbreaking film Americanish, Zawahry shows that authentic, joyful, and diverse stories can challenge systemic misrepresentation and inspire real change. Iman Zawahry is one of the first hijabi American-Muslim filmmakers in the nation. She has worked on numerous films that have played at over 150 venues worldwide. She’s an Emmy award winner, Princess Grace Award recipient, a Lincoln Center Artist Academy Fellow, Sundance Momentum Fellow, Sundance Universal Fellow and was a part of the Warner Brothers Directing Program. She is also the co-creator of the first American Muslim film grant with Islamic Scholarship Fund where she currently serves as Director of Film Programs. Her debut film, Americanish, has won twenty six awards, including best director and best film and has been distributed worldwide by Sony International Pictures. Iman is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Florida, where she was honored with the Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2024 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Esta charla celebra la autenticidad y la profundidad que habita en los gestos más simples de la vida diaria. A través de una mirada sensible, nos invita a valorar lo cotidiano como un espacio de encuentro, humanidad y belleza. Compartir lo que somos —sin adornos, sin filtros— puede ser un acto transformador, capaz de tejer vínculos genuinos en un mundo que a menudo pasa por alto lo esencial. Contador Público y comunicador This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

No one has to be lonely... Antariksh Gupta has a deep fascination with the cosmos and a lifelong curiosity about how our universe came to be. He’s especially drawn to new theories about the formation of the stars and space. When he’s not exploring the mysteries of the universe, Antariksh enjoys listening to Coldplay, honing his flying skills on a simulator, and playing both the bass clarinet and double bass. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How to overcome the 'bandwagon effect'... Reagan is a dedicated athlete and student who strives to balance academic growth with personal development. He actively participates in school events, including inter-school swimming and mathematics competitions. Since March 2025, Reagan has also taken part in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge, reflecting his passion for making a positive impact. Committed to uplifting others and leading by example, Reagan aims to inspire those around him. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports with friends and exploring his creative side through music and drawing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When was the last time you gave 100%? Eric Ji is a passionate problem-solver with a strong interest in technology and language learning. He is currently developing a multiplayer first-person shooter game, combining his skills in programming and game design. Beyond his technical pursuits, Eric is enthusiastic about languages—particularly Japanese—and enjoys exploring different cultures through his studies. Since 2025, he has been actively engaged in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge, working toward positive global change. Outside the classroom, Eric enjoys playing volleyball and badminton with friends. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How AI makes us lazy thinkers... Ayan Singh is a passionate programmer with a strong interest in how technology shapes the way we think and learn. He regularly uses AI tools to assist with coding and schoolwork, which inspired his curiosity about their deeper impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx