With a distinctive voice shaped by cultural nuance and bold storytelling, Bahraini director Zaid Sater is already emerging as a unique talent on the international stage. The 22-year-old became the first Bahraini filmmaker to be featured at the Chicago International Film Festival, an Academy Award-qualifying event and the longest-running competitive film festival in the U.S. His short film, Mixed Signals, premiered at the festival’s CineYouth Showcase, where it was featured as part of the ‘Far From Home’ program.

“CineYouth is the Chicago International Film Festival’s yearly film festival that showcases short films made by filmmakers 22 years old and younger from around the world.”

Written and directed by Zaid Sater, and co- written and produced by Saudi-American filmmaker Ibrahim Fitaihi, Mixed Signals follows a married Arab immigrant in America who ventures into online dating, only to confront uncomfortable truths about his marriage-and himself-during an awkward, revealing date. Blending sharp humor with raw vulnerability, the film explores the tension between tradition, desire, and identity in a rapidly evolving world.

       The film stars George Shakour (Aziz), Annalisa Plumb (Gossip Girl, Pillow Talk), Sarah Himadeh (The Last of Us, Ramy), and Galal Chater (Sweet Refuge), whose performances bring emotional depth to this poignant, character-driven story. Mixed Signals is produced by Obscura Films, a brand dedicated to championing diasporic voices and bridging Middle Eastern and Western audiences through bold, resonant storytelling.

       CineYouth is the Chicago International Film Festival’s yearly film festival that showcases short films made by filmmakers 22 years old and younger from around the world. CineYouth encourages the talent of young filmmakers and supports diverse youth voices by providing opportunities to have their work showcased, to learn about filmmaking from industry experts, and network with their peers.

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