Shamim Sarif

Shamim Sarif (born 24 September 1969) is a British novelist, screenwriter, and film director of South Asian and South African heritage. Sarif is best known for her work in writing and directing films with themes that often explore issues of identity and cultural diversity. Born 24 September 1969 (age 55) London, England, United Kingdom Occupation(s): Novelist, film director, screenwriter Spouse: Hanan Kattan ​(m. 2015)​ Children: 2 Sarif was born in London to Indian parents who had emigrated from South Africa in the early 1960s to escape apartheid. She studied English literature at Royal Holloway, University of London and later completed a Master's degree in English at Boston University. Sarif's debut novel, The World Unseen (2001), won a Betty Trask Award in 2002 and the Pendleton May First Novel Award. The novel explores issues of race, gender and sexuality and was heavily inspired by the stories of Sarif's grandmother and her Indian and South African heritage. Sarif has ...