​Ali Kiani
​

 PictureALI KIANI
Where do you live (City, State, or Country)?
Thousand Oaks, CA Sha Mer Zaa Entertainment (www.shamerzaa.com)

Your script stood out among hundreds of others. What was the inspiration for your story and why did you write a script instead of a short story or a novel?
As a playwright and screenwriter, I’m inspired by people whose lives are shaped by conflict, loss, ambition, and the choices they make when circumstances are beyond their control. I’m drawn to stories that let audiences experience a character’s inner world as they witness the events that shape it, conveyed visually and dramatically through character, dialogue, action, silence, and setting working together. I believe great storytelling can transcend language, geography, and culture. By embracing diverse voices and universal themes, I aim to spark discussion and foster better understanding. I reach people worldwide through feature films, documentaries, theatrical productions, and literary works that entertain, enlighten, and endure. On every project, I strive to build connections, reflect on shared human experiences, and uncover the shared humanity that unites us.

How long did it take you to write your script...and what is your writing process? Do you outline...use index cards...white board...or just start with FADE IN?
It usually takes me three to four months to complete a screenplay, starting with an outline that gives me a clear sense of the story and its direction. One of my screenplays, A Tale of Bondage, took a year because it required extensive research into modern slavery.

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
My ultimate ambition is to continue creating meaningful work that inspires, entertains, and leaves people thinking about the characters and ideas long after the story ends. I want to keep writing for both stage and screen and to see my plays and screenplays produced and performed. As a writer, I want to keep challenging myself to tell stories with emotional depth, strong characters, and a meaningful message.

Was your entry at The Wiki Screenplay Contest a full script or “the first ten pages”? Why did you make that choice?
They were full scripts: A Dull House (quarterfinalist) and Finding a Silver Lining (Honorable mention)

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show...and why?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but my choices include The Godfather, The Best Years of Our Lives, and Shane. Each tells a powerful human story about character, loyalty, sacrifice, conflict, and the choices people make in difficult circumstances—qualities that resonate with me as a writer. For television, I choose Norman Lear’s shows and The Carol Burnett Show. Lear’s work combined humor with meaningful social and human themes. The Carol Burnett Show showcased the power of strong ensemble performance, timing, and character-driven
comedy.

What advice do you have for writers hoping to win a contest or place as a finalist as you have?
Write the story you genuinely want to tell rather than trying to anticipate what judges want to read or what you think will be commercially successful. Don’t chase trends justbecause they seem popular, and don’t write a superhero script just because you think that’s what the market wants. Take time to develop your characters and make sure every scene matters. A strong opening matters, but the pages that follow must keep earning the reader’s attention.
Most importantly, don’t give up on your work. Writing is rewriting, revising, and writing again. Listen to criticism when it’s useful, but also learn to trust your voice. Contests can open doors, but the ultimate goal is to become a better writer, keep growing, and continue creating work that is uniquely yours.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about?
I continue to develop my work as a playwright and screenwriter. Currently, I have completed four anthologies of plays: Around the Globe in Seven Acts: Tales from the East, Tales from the West, Tales from the Canon, and Tales from the Mythmakers.