Biography
Mouayed Zabtia is an award-winning Libyan filmmaker, director, and producer whose cinematic work explores memory, identity, and the overlooked chapters of North African history. A graduate of the Faculty of Arts and Media at the University of Tripoli, he founded the independent production house Mouayed Film in 2001, establishing a platform for high-end visual storytelling in the region.
Zabtia began his directorial career with the acclaimed satirical television series Libyat, paving the way for his transition into independent cinema. His short film Al-Emara (The Emirate) successfully toured the international festival circuit, introducing his distinct visual style to a broader audience. In 2021, he created the groundbreaking anthology series Takhriff, drawing inspiration from rich North African folklore. Its highly successful second installment, Story of Godia, achieved significant global recognition, garnering top honors at WorldFest-Houston, the Bushwick Film Festival, the Northern Virginia International Film Festival, and the Maverick Movie Awards.
His distinct directorial voice and regional impact have been highlighted by major international press, including a dedicated Agence France-Presse (AFP) feature distributed across global platforms such as France 24, Yahoo News, and The Independent.
Most recently, Zabtia completed his highly anticipated debut feature film, 1986 (2026). Set against the turbulent backdrop of the American airstrike on Libya, this coming-of-age drama is a profound exploration of historical memory. Through intimate character studies, the film masterfully weaves together the relationship between personal identity, the trans formative power of music, and profound political change.
