Mishaal Mahmood is a sophomore at Barnard College majoring in South Asian studies and history. Entering her eighth year of filmmaking, Mishaal's spot features and documentaries have been recognized regionally and nationally for their heartwarming storytelling by the Orange County Film Festival, the All-American High School Film Festival, the Student Television Network's Convention, and more. Her filmmaking career has been driven by her desire to highlight Muslim voices, South Asian culture, and overlooked community heroes in media. Well-acquainted with the many challenges presented to filmmakers, Mishaal aspires to become an entertainment lawyer to ensure filmmakers focus on the creative process rather than the legal issues they face along the way. 

Favorite childhood memory: 

My brother and I would spend every Saturday morning enjoying cartoons and cereal in the mini tent we set up in our living room.