AFMI fiscally sponsored project: IT’S COMPLICATED
AFMI’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program is an initiative designed to support Arab and Arab-American filmmakers and film projects that advance AFMI’s mission.
IT’S COMPLICATED (previously “Like the Tide”) will premiere on Saturday August 15th at Hollyshorts
Zoe Saldaña joins as Executive Producer
Synopsis
Yara, a Palestinian American screenwriter, forms an unexpected sisterhood with Hana, a poet and teacher in Gaza, through online Arabic lessons. But, when war erupts and Hana suddenly disappears, Yara is forced to confront grief, diasporic guilt, and the responsibility of using her art and her voice to carry Hana’s story forward.
Challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions, the story builds to a powerful climax amid an unfolding genocide. Suspended in the uncertainty of Hana’s fate and Yara’s future, their lives are forever shaped by the conversations they shared and the experiences that brought them together.
This Project at a glance:
Project type: Live Action Short
Project status: Premiered at Hollyshorts in August 2026
Project Lead: Iman Karram
Writer/Producer/Actor: Iman Karram
Director: Darine Hotait
Executive Producer: Zoe Saldaña
Producer: Zoe Saldaña, Iman Karram, Alana Duqum, Eli Zavala, Zoe Marie Jimenez, Zane Karram, Kais Karram, Matt Van Tine, Isabel Schnall, Hecat Studios
Cast: Iman Karram, Dina Shuhaiber, AJ Mendez, Charlie Clapham and Nasser Faris
Cinematographer: Liz Charky
Editor: Hind Shoufani
Production Design: Cyrum A. Ramirez
Sound Design: Lea Dessart
Hollyshorts Premiere
Statement from IMAN KARRAM
Like The Tide is inspired by my personal experience and the profound connection I’ve formed with my Arabic tutor, Hana, from Gaza. I began working with Hana in 2022 to learn Arabic. Although she had relocated to Turkey with her husband shortly before we started working together, her family remains in Gaza.
This film is an homage to the resilience and indomitable spirit of Gaza’s women, who are often misrepresented in mainstream media as subdued individuals awaiting liberation from the West. Hana’s story shatters these stereotypes, presenting an authentic portrayal of the extraordinary women of Palestine.
Hana, a 27-year-old woman, holds two degrees, speaks four languages fluently, and is a dedicated teacher as well as a loving mother to her young son. She is supported by a husband who champions her aspirations. Her strength and wisdom have illuminated my own path, inspiring me to confront and challenge the misconceptions and biases often perpetuated by Western narratives.
Through this film, I aim to share the authentic stories and perspectives of Arab women while offering a glimpse into the life of an Arab-American woman on a journey of self-discovery, alongside the experiences and perspective of a young Palestinian woman from Gaza.
Iman Karram (as Yara)
Writer/Producer/Actor
Iman Karram is a Palestinian American actress, writer and producer who from an early age, identified as an academic, athlete, but most importantly, an artist.
Karram grew up in Washington, D.C. Her father was the only member of his family not born in Palestine, but in a Syrian refugee camp and came to the US alone to pursue his education at the age of seventeen. So, from an early age, Iman held deeply the value of education and the privilege of pursuing one’s dreams. Before graduating from high school, Iman worked on Capitol Hill as a congressional intern, won several awards and titles as a competitive dancer as well as devoted time to community service for organizations such as Special Olympics and was dedicated to the theater.
Iman then attended and graduated from UCLA’s College of Letters, Arts and Sciences with a degree in cultural anthropology and from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television with a degree in film.
Now, Iman can be seen working on films and TV shows on Disney Channel, CW, Netflix, and FX. Recently, Iman stars opposite Michael Angarano and Michael Cera in the film SACRAMENTO that premiered at Tribeca film festival. She will next be seen in the independent film DAFT STATE.
Writer/Producer/Actor
Iman Karram is a Palestinian American actress, writer and producer who from an early age, identified as an academic, athlete, but most importantly, an artist.
Karram grew up in Washington, D.C. Her father was the only member of his family not born in Palestine, but in a Syrian refugee camp and came to the US alone to pursue his education at the age of seventeen. So, from an early age, Iman held deeply the value of education and the privilege of pursuing one’s dreams. Before graduating from high school, Iman worked on Capitol Hill as a congressional intern, won several awards and titles as a competitive dancer as well as devoted time to community service for organizations such as Special Olympics and was dedicated to the theater.
Iman then attended and graduated from UCLA’s College of Letters, Arts and Sciences with a degree in cultural anthropology and from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television with a degree in film.
Now, Iman can be seen working on films and TV shows on Disney Channel, CW, Netflix, and FX. Recently, Iman stars opposite Michael Angarano and Michael Cera in the film SACRAMENTO that premiered at Tribeca film festival. She will next be seen in the independent film DAFT STATE.
Cast & Crew
Darine Hotait is a writer and film director. Her work explores the politics of identity, Arab & African diaspora, social stigmas, and science fiction while employing visual components of magical realism. Her work is deeply influenced by her lucid dreaming practice.
Named on Disney’s 2022 List of Directors on the Rise, Darine has written and directed a dozen award-winning narrative films that can be seen on Sundance Channel, The New Yorker, AMC Networks, BBC, and at numerous international film festivals. She is the recipient of the New York Council on the Arts Artist Award (2020), the New York Foundation for the Arts Immigrant Artist Fellowship (2018), the Jerome Hill Finalist Award (2021), and the North Manhattan Arts Alliance Artist prize (2023).
Cast & Crew
Darine Hotait is a writer and film director. Her work explores the politics of identity, Arab & African diaspora, social stigmas, and science fiction while employing visual components of magical realism. Her work is deeply influenced by her lucid dreaming practice.
Named on Disney’s 2022 List of Directors on the Rise, Darine has written and directed a dozen award-winning narrative films that can be seen on Sundance Channel, The New Yorker, AMC Networks, BBC, and at numerous international film festivals. She is the recipient of the New York Council on the Arts Artist Award (2020), the New York Foundation for the Arts Immigrant Artist Fellowship (2018), the Jerome Hill Finalist Award (2021), and the North Manhattan Arts Alliance Artist prize (2023).