Biography

Ahmad Zahra spent much of his early education and professional life studying and practicing medicine between England and Syria, where he was born and raised. He obtained his M.D. at the early age of 23 and chose Pathology as a specialty. After coming to the United States in the late 90s, Ahmad realized the opportunities this country offered and decided to pursue his passion for film. He started all over again with little to start, working his way through Hollywood. In 2001, upon obtaining enough education and experience in film, Ahmad decided he was ready to start his own film business. That year, Ahmad moved to the City of Fullerton after falling in love with its history and small-town feel. It was in Fullerton that Ahmad opened his business, made his first film, and where he became a United States citizen.

Now a small business owner, Ahmad owns and operates Zahra Pictures LLC, a film production company rooted in Fullerton. Despite all the ups and downs of a small business, Ahmad succeeded in producing many documentaries and independent films, focusing on community building and spotlighting many of the social struggles of our times. Some of his most notable films are On Common Grounds (Hallmark Channel,) American East (MGM), and the award-winning film Three Veils, which was filmed in Fullerton, hiring local talent, including many students and graduates from Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton film and theatre programs.

Ahmad has always strived to help others and give back to the country which made him realize his dreams. Throughout his film career, he helped young emerging talent find their voice through grants, internships, and mentoring. He is particularly proud of having assisted aspiring filmmakers at Cal State Fullerton's film program and raising $30,000 for an ambitious thesis film project utilizing 16mm film for the first time at CSUF. Ahmad also often offered his talents and services to the community, whether through video services for local non-profit organizations or in other capacities supporting public education and the arts. In 2016, Ahmad started his own school supply drive— raising thousands of dollars worth of supplies to local schools to date.

Seeing the need in the community and a lack of representation in his south side neighborhoods, Ahmad ran for city council and won his first term in 2018. This win made him the first openly LGBTQ Muslim elected in Fullerton and the entire nation. During his term, Ahmad succeeded in introducing and supporting policies that align with the needs of the community, such as housing affordability, rental assistance, homelessness solutions, park improvements, energy sustainability, jobs and economic development, art, public safety, and community engagement. During the pandemic, Ahmad prioritized health and was a leader in advancing immediate protections for essential workers and small businesses, even before the County acted. He helped organize and participated in many food drives, often delivering food personally to folks who were homebound.

Ahmad loves Fullerton and has lived in the same neighborhood on the south side for the past 21 years. He's seen life through the good times and the bad but has always looked at life with a positive outlook, with giving back and community building being the main focus. If he's not working, you'll see him about town supporting a local business, delivering Meals on Wheels, helping at a food drive, or fundraising for a cause. 

Ahmad is encouraged to run for re-election for another term on City Council to continue his path of community service in the city he is proud to call home.