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Zakariya Mohammed

ザカリヤ・モハメッド

Zakariya Mohammed

Aliases: Zakariya Edayur / Zakariya Edayoor

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1986-02-19 （Valanchery, Malappuram, Kerala, India）
Nationality
Indian
Languages
Malayalam, English
Residence History
Valanchery, Malappuram, Kerala → Kozhikode (worked at MediaOne Academy) → Kochi (worked in advertising production)

Career

Occupations
Film director, Screenwriter, Actor, Producer
Active Years
2018-
Affiliations
Cross Border Camera, MediaOne Academy (Kozhikode)

Education

SAFI Institute of Advanced Study, Vazhayur
Mass Communication and Journalism / Department of Mass Communication and Journalism
Degree: Postgraduate
Country: India
Postgraduate degree; later worked as an assistant professor at MediaOne Academy, Kozhikode.

Awards

Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Screenplay
Organization: Kerala State Film Awards
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Debut Director
Organization: Kerala State Film Awards
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value
Organization: Kerala State Film Awards
Result: Winner
FIPRESCI Award (Best Malayalam Film, IFFK)
2018
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: FIPRESCI Award
Organization: International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK)
Result: Winner
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Feature Film in Malayalam
Organization: National Film Awards
Result: Winner
Aravindan Puraskaram (Best Debut Director)
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Debut Director
Organization: Aravindan Puraskaram
Result: Winner
Padmarajan Award (Best Director)
2019
Work: Sudani from Nigeria
Category: Best Director
Organization: Padmarajan Award
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Sudani from Nigeria

2018 Drama / Human drama

A human drama centered on a local football club and a Nigerian player who comes to Kerala. It warmly depicts cultural exchange and interpersonal bonds, receiving acclaim from critics and audiences.

CommunityFriendshipFootballCross-cultural exchange

Halal Love Story

2020 Comedy / Drama

Follows people in a Muslim community trying to make a film, blending humor with conflicts between religious customs and creative work.

Religion and expressionCommunityCreative process

Bibliography

  • Sudani from Nigeria (2018)
  • Halal Love Story (2020)
  • Ayisha (producer, 2023)
  • Momo in Dubai (writer/producer)
  • Jackson Bazaar Youth (producer)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Naturalistic, humanist depictionAttention to everyday details
Recurring Motifs
Community and solidaritySport (football)Cross-cultural understanding

Legacy

'Sudani from Nigeria' earned international recognition and multiple awards, establishing him as a prominent emerging filmmaker in Malayalam cinema. His focus on local communities and everyday life has influenced younger filmmakers.

Trivia

  • From Valanchery, Malappuram, Kerala.
  • Postgraduate in Mass Communication and Journalism from SAFI Institute of Advanced Study.
  • Started career as an assistant director in an advertising production house before debuting as a film director.
  • Spouse: Labeeba Mohammed; has one child.