Welcome to Mahnoor's Creative Portfolio
About Me: I'm Mahnoor Syed, also known as Maha, and I'm proud to be a trailblazer in the world of media and creativity. As the first and youngest Muslim American in News Directing in America, I'm passionate about using my skills and vision to push boundaries and tell compelling stories. With years of experience in Cinema TV Arts Directing and Production, Wedding and Event Videography/Photography, and Graphic Design, I've had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects across diverse platforms.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion: One of my core passions is representing minorities and promoting diversity through my independent works. I believe that stories have the power to break down barriers, foster understanding, and celebrate the richness of our world's cultures. In my creative journey, I have made it a mission to bring these stories to the forefront, ensuring that underrepresented voices have a platform to be heard and seen.
Community Involvement: Beyond my creative pursuits, I have dedicated my time and expertise to helping small businesses owned by fellow Muslims in Illinois establish their growth. From branding and re-branding to content creation and design work, I've been privileged to contribute to their success. My goal is to give back to the community that has shaped me and to empower others to achieve their dreams.
Educational Background: In 2020, I graduated with a double bachelor's degree in Cinema & Television Arts (Directing & Production) and Graphic Design (Web Design). My educational journey has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel in these creative fields.
Award-Winning Documentary Producer: My commitment to storytelling and meaningful narratives has earned me recognition as an award-winning Documentary Producer. In 2016, my documentary premier based on WWII Cargo Aircraft, "The Maine Flyer", featured on WLS (ABC7) by Roz Varon, was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding work in the field. This acknowledgment serves as a testament to my dedication to the craft of visual storytelling. I have also won countless awards in Film Festivals and have been mentioned in The Sun Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Daily Herald and many more published articles in the Chicagoland area.
MY TV DEBUT with WLS (ABC7 Chicago)- WWII Documentary 2015-2016
Incorporating Culture and Religion: As an American Muslim, I find great inspiration in incorporating aspects of culture and religion into my work. This is evident in many of my independent projects, including my original Documentary series on American Muslim Artists and Freelancing in South Asian Wedding Videography. I also have a Etsy Shop called Joy Jalebi that offers a variety of cultural punny merchandise and stationary along with seasonal products for Ramadan and Eid Holidays. Through these endeavors, I aim to bridge cultural gaps and promote a deeper understanding of diverse traditions while brining relatability and comfort to all generations.
Why Choose Me:
A passion for storytelling and creativity that champions diversity.
A strong background in directing, producing, and cinematography with a focus on underrepresented narratives.
An eye for capturing unforgettable moments that resonate with diverse audiences.
A commitment to delivering high-quality work on time, every time.
A dedication to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of creative voices from all backgrounds.
Let's Collaborate: I'm always eager to take on new and exciting projects that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Whether it's directing a film, capturing a cherished event, or bringing your graphic design ideas to life, I'm here to make your vision a reality and promote the richness of our diverse world.
Thank you for visiting my portfolio site. I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and I look forward to connecting with you soon to create a more inclusive and representative world through the power of storytelling.
I was part of the first Construction class that later partnered with Habitat for Humanity in building homes post development of Maine East's Baseball Press-box. I had been actively involved as a woman in Architecture, Civil Engineering and Carpentry to help build this vision!