Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fatima Ezzahra Mahdar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fatima Ezzahra , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The biggest risk I ever took wasn’t about diving into the unknown—though there was plenty of that—but about trusting in something that was not just a career or a dream. Storytelling, especially through animation, is the way I exist. It’s how I express who I am in this world and my ever-evolving journey. One life was never enough for me. I needed to recreate my characters, my worlds, and the ways I exist. And the only way I could do that, the only way that sparked my soul, was through storytelling.
I still remember the first time I watched a cartoon—the way my heart raced, how I couldn’t believe something as fantastical as that could come to life. That moment was not just intriguing to me—it was the moment when animation became my destiny, an inevitable force pulling me toward it. It wasn’t just a hobby or a passing interest; it was the answer I was looking for to express my existence.
Growing up, people would tell me, “If you love animation, just write a story and read it for yourself,” or, “Shoot something and enjoy that.” While their intentions were good, they didn’t understand that for me, it was never about fame, success, or accolades. It was never about what others could see. It was about being alive in the truest sense, being the creator I felt I was meant to be. And animation—animation was the only answer.
It wasn’t until later that I understood why I was so connected to this world. My sister Imane, the heroine and the only beautiful thing in my life, has always been at the heart of everything I do. Imane is my why—she’s the reason all of this makes sense. She taught me that storytelling, like life, is constantly evolving, that creation never stops, and that through animation, we can bring everything we dream into existence.
When I took the risk to pitch The Big Castle, I was not only betting on a project; I was betting on myself—on this passion that has been with me since childhood. I was putting my heart on the line. No matter the challenges or the struggles, I knew that animation was the only space where I could truly bring all my thoughts, dreams, and experiences to life. And now, looking back, I see that risk was worth it, not because of the opportunities that came my way but because it allowed me to continue being the creator I’ve always known myself to be.
Animation, for me, is a way of living—it’s how I express the parts of myself that can’t be put into words, and it’s the path that makes my existence feel real. Every step, every pitch, every project is a tribute to Imane, to the little girl who watched cartoons and believed that one day she could bring her own stories to life. And for that, I will continue to take risks, to recreate myself and my characters, because I know there is so much I still have to say—and animation will always be my voice.
Fatima Ezzahra , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Fatima Ezzahra Mahdar, a creative producer and storyteller from Casablanca, Morocco. I’m also proud to identify as asexual and neurodivergent, embracing all of who I am in this journey. For me, storytelling isn’t just a career—it’s how I exist in this world. Animation, specifically, is the medium that lets me bring my ideas to life, and it’s become a path I was always meant to walk.
Though I initially pursued a master’s in Auditing and Finance, something never felt quite right. I didn’t realize until later that my true calling was in storytelling. When the pandemic hit, I knew it was time to make the leap. I connected with a talented creative partner through a Discord group, and from there, we began collaborating on animated projects like Souk City Kid with Nadia. The journey has been incredible, with pitches to studios like Disney, Netflix, Sony, DreamWorks, and many more, and securing shopping agreements with authors from HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster.
I’m also working with another creative partner on The Big Castle, an original project that has been a dream to develop. I’m currently developing two animated features based on Moroccan folklore—Aicha Kandicha and Hakawati—with amazing animation screenwriters whose work I truly admire. These projects are deeply personal, and I’m excited to share these stories with the world.
In addition to my work as a producer, the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers honored me by selecting me for the 2024 Global Career Accelerator program. I’m also currently enrolled in the Women in Animation mentorship program and a former mentee in the Children’s Media Association Program. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my growth as a professional and a creator.
For me, animation is more than just a job. It’s the language through which I express the stories I’ve always wanted to tell. I’m not driven by the pursuit of fame or recognition. What fuels me is the belief that stories have the power to inspire, challenge, and connect people. That’s what I hope to bring to every project I work on—a chance to make an impact through bold, creative, and meaningful storytelling.
If you’re looking for a creative partner who values authenticity, collaboration, and the power of storytelling, I’d love to connect and see how we can create stories that not only can change the world around us but who we are as human beings, bonding together.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to paint the world with my original and authentic colors and to wander in a fantastical realm—a bit like Alice in Wonderland. There’s something magical about bringing your imagination to life, shaping it, and then stepping back to say, “This is mine. It came from me.”
Creating is deeply personal—it’s like having a child. You pour your soul, heart, and deepest emotions into your work to see it come to life. When you watch it thrive, you feel an immense sense of pride and joy. Even as you move on to the next project, a part of you remains forever connected to what you’ve created.
To create is to leave something eternal in the world—a piece of you that lives on. That power of creative eternity, of knowing your work will always exist, is truly the most rewarding part of it all.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To truly support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to recognize that creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Art and storytelling shape our world, connect us to each other, and inspire change. Supporting this requires creating environments where creatives feel valued not just for what they produce but for the unique perspectives they bring.
This means investing in opportunities that allow creators to focus on their work without being overshadowed by financial or systemic barriers. Mentorship programs, accelerators, and platforms that amplify diverse voices and perspectives are crucial. These initiatives need to embrace global talent, foster collaboration across borders, and ensure that creativity knows no limits.
On a cultural level, we need to shift how we view art and storytelling. They’re not just entertainment or products; they’re forces of connection, identity, and emotional truth. Creativity thrives when society celebrates imagination, encourages experimentation, and values authenticity over trends.
As someone from Morocco pitching to global studios and working on stories rooted in my culture, I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative representation can be. The world is hungry for stories that reflect its true diversity. When society invests in amplifying these voices and provides the resources needed to tell these stories well, it’s not just art that thrives—it’s humanity.
Ultimately, the best way to support artists is by nurturing the people behind the work. When creators feel seen, respected, and empowered, they craft stories that bring us closer together and shape a future filled with endless possibilities.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photo 1:
🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič
Head of Design at Martin Key
@itfeelslikefilm
Paris, France
Publiée le 13 décembre 2016
NIKON CORPORATION, NIKON D810
Utilisation gratuite sous la Licence Unsplash
Photo 2:
Images sponsorisées iStock
LIMITED DEAL: 20% off with PIXABAY20 coupon
Image : Mickey la souris, Walt disney, Disney. Utilisation gratuite.
Photo 3:
mamizaza
Images sponsorisées iStock
LIMITED DEAL: 20% off with PIXABAY20 coupon
Image : Alice, Jouet, Figurine. Utilisation gratuite.