GUAP 36 : WHY YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING KOSAR ALI [@KOSARALI__]

The creative industry’s brightest stars of today are often those who double or triple up as multi-hyphenate creatives – aka triple or poly-threats. Nowadays, it’s very easy to restrict such attributes to US creatives due to US dominance over entertainment outlets. However, GUAP is dedicated to honouring such stars irrespective of their geographical locations. More importantly, what better place to start than in our city? London.

GUAP’s 36th cover therefore spotlights our very own homegrown poly-threat actress and producer Kosar Ali. Not only is she known for her captivating performances but now, Kosar has delved into another passion as the latest producer on the block with her debut short film ‘Muna’. 

From Rocks to Muna, Kosar Ali’s rise to big screens has been nothing short of remarkable. Her breakthrough role as ‘Sumaya’ in the critically acclaimed Rocks alongside her co-star and friend Bukky Bakray solidified the start of something special about Ali as an actress. Her performance since then has been a testament to Ali’s authenticity, emotional depth, and natural talent as a young actor. Therefore it comes as no surprise that she won our GUAP Gala’s ‘Actor to Watch’ award last year – a very deserving win.

Notably, while many actors prefer to focus solely on their craft, Kosar’s ambition takes her beyond the realm of acting. Eager to explore different aspects of filmmaking, she ventured into the world of production. Drawing from her own experiences and those close to her, her debut as a producer showcases her commitment to telling meaningful stories that resonate with audiences. 

MUNA

Muna is a poignant film about teenage dreams, dislocated grief and unexpected connection, following a British-Somali teen navigating a confusing mourning period for a family member she never met. She is confronted by her balance of family and cultural expectations and her evolving adolescent reality as a teen in London. Produced by Ali, Angela Moneke and Simon Hatton as well as directed by emerging filmmaker Warda Mohamed; MUNA speaks to the reality of many creatives who fall within the intersections of second-generation Somali Muslim women living in modern-day Western societies. It therefore comes as no surprise that the film received nominations at the BIFAs, London Critics Circle Film Awards and won Best Short at The British Short Film Awards last year. It recently made its International Premiere at the prestigious 74^th Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin.

Both Kosar and Warda beautifully capture themes of identity, empowerment, intergenerational connections, and resilience through a cultural lens we are yet and need to see more of on our TV screens.

We captured them both in conversation surrounding the film, it’s conception and more:

If there’s one lesson we can take away from the creative production that brought MUNA to life, it’s the important of partnering with like-minded talented creatives who not only share in your creative visions, but, have an authentic understanding of the communities attached to them. Together, Kosar and Warda’s endeavors with this film represent a larger movement towards inclusivity and representation beyond performative or stereotypical actions. They represent authentic and relatable documentation through film.

As a poly-threat creative, Kosar is breaking barriers, inspiring others, and leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Thus truly making her an actress we should all be watching out for on our screens in the coming years.