We were lucky to catch up with Isa Ebrahim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Isa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I had the honor of starring in the film ‘Miracle on 74th Street’, a heartwarming tale of an Indian who arrives in New York with lofty aspirations of making it big in Hollywood. This story resonated deeply with me, as I too arrived in the city with big dreams and a hunger to succeed. My character, Agnelo, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and determination, striving to prove his skeptics wrong and make his dreams a reality. What made this project particularly special to me was the fact that Agnelo’s character was so closely aligned with my own experiences and personality. It’s a rare opportunity to portray a role that feels so authentic and true to oneself. To add to the magic of this experience, the film was screened at my Alma Mater, The Lee Strasberg Theater & Film Institute, during their annual film festival. We were nominated for four awards, including Best Actor, an achievement that I will forever cherish. Although I didn’t end up winning the award, the entire experience was truly unforgettable, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a meaningful project.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have honed my craft through my training at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York City. Currently, I am actively pursuing my career as an actor and content creator, and I am thrilled to have recently appeared in a commercial for Meta’s innovative VR game, Tennis League, exclusively for the Meta Quest 2. Over the past year, I have been fortunate enough to have a range of experiences in the US, including my work in an Off-Broadway musical called ‘Ramaavan’, and a feature film called ‘Look In My Eyes’. As a former professional tennis player, I have gained valuable lessons in self-discipline, consistency, and perseverance, skills that are vital for thriving in the competitive world of acting, where rejection is all too common.
In addition to my acting pursuits, I am excited to have recently launched a podcast with a close friend. While I cannot disclose too many details at this time, I am eager to explore new avenues of creativity and connect with others in the industry. As I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have brought me to where I am today.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the journey of creating my short film “A Grim Reaping,” I faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience and determination. One of the biggest hurdles was the constant struggle with limited budgets, which threatened to derail the project entirely. There came a point where it seemed that no one believed we could bring this film to life. However, instead of succumbing to the obstacles, I chose to channel my energy into finding innovative solutions. I meticulously reviewed the budget, cutting costs wherever possible without compromising the integrity of the story. Every aspect of production was scrutinized, from equipment rentals to locations and even catering. I had to be resourceful and think outside the box to make the most of the resources available.
To overcome time constraints, we had to make the most of a tight shooting window. With a limited schedule, we decided to shoot over a single weekend from 6 pm to 6 am for two consecutive days. It was an ambitious undertaking, as it required careful planning and execution to capture all the necessary scenes within this condensed timeframe. The cast and crew rallied together, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to bring the vision to life.
Despite the challenges, the hard work paid off. “A Grim Reaping” began to make waves in the festival circuit, earning recognition and accolades at esteemed events such as the Independent Short Film Festival in Los Angeles and the New York International Film Festival, among others. These achievements served as a validation of our resilience and the quality of the film we had crafted.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative lies in the ability to tell stories and express myself without the constraints of external expectations. Whether it’s through filmmaking, podcasting, or any other medium, the creative process allows me to delve into the depths of my imagination and bring narratives to life. Having the freedom to explore various formats and storytelling techniques is truly fulfilling. It gives me the opportunity to experiment, take risks, and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. There’s a sense of liberation that comes with creating art solely for the sake of personal fulfillment and creative expression.
The act of storytelling itself holds immense power. It allows me to convey emotions, ideas, and perspectives that may resonate with others on a deep level. It’s a means of connection, bridging gaps between individuals and communities by evoking empathy, sparking conversations, and fostering understanding.
Furthermore, the creative process is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It challenges me to constantly evolve, learn new skills, and broaden my horizons. It’s a never-ending quest for improvement and honing my craft, which brings a sense of continuous fulfillment and purpose.
Being able to share my stories and creations with an audience is an added joy. Knowing that my work has the potential to inspire, entertain, or evoke thought and emotion in others is incredibly rewarding. It creates a sense of connection and resonance that transcends time and space, allowing my art to leave a lasting impact on those who experience it.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the deep sense of fulfillment that comes from expressing myself authentically, telling stories, and sharing my creative vision with the world. It’s a constant reminder of the power of art to touch lives, ignite imaginations, and bring people together in meaningful ways.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.isaebrahim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theisaebrahim/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyN0gtMaDiF10FD8cB9AI3w