From Vimto to Vision
“There are two food items I can’t ever have because they both remind me of blood … ketchup
and Vimto.”
For Iman Kazmi, that confession traces back to a single childhood memory: standing on the set
of Dead Sands, drenched in sticky “blood” made of Vimto. The moment was chaotic and
strangely funny, but it planted an unexpected seed the realization that storytelling could turn
even the oddest scenes into something cinematic.
As she grew older, that spark evolved into a multidimensional craft. Acting, modeling, directing,
and content creation never felt like separate paths to her; they were different dialects of the
same language. Whether she’s in front of the lens or shaping the vision behind it, Iman
approaches every frame as an emotional translation. Her artistry isn’t driven by the hunger for
attention. It’s anchored in authenticity.
Where Stage Fright Became Focus
A turning point arrived when she competed in May Queen, her first pageant. Bahrain’s
pageantry prioritizes intention over spectacle, and stepping into that setting reshaped her
relationship with visibility. The stage forced her to confront nerves she had carried since
childhood, teaching her not just how to stand in the spotlight, but how to own it.
This newfound confidence flowed into her work behind the camera. When she wrote and
directed a short film in just 48 hours a delicate story about a boy grieving his grandfather
she discovered that constraints can sharpen creativity. There were no elaborate sets, no time for
overthinking, only sincerity and instinct.
As she puts it, “You don’t need fancy sets and big budgets to create emotional impact. Work
with what you have and elevate it. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
Acting made her a more empathetic director, and directing made her a more intentional actor.
The two sides of her craft began informing each other, tightening her vision and expanding her
emotional range.
Purpose, Duality, and the Artist at Work
Despite her on-camera presence, Iman identifies as introverted. But when a project aligns with
her purpose (especially her advocacy for animal welfare) she becomes sharply focused, certain,
and grounded. Passion gives her courage, even in moments that might otherwise overwhelm
her.
This sense of purpose shapes the way she leads and collaborates. She values humility,
integrity, and emotional safety on set. Whether acting in a scene or directing one, she aims to
create spaces where vulnerability isn’t just protected, it’s encouraged.
Her unexpected love for acting in horror reflects this inner duality. Surprisingly, she rarely
watches the genre. “I’m the person who hides behind a pillow the entire time,” she jokes but
performing in it feels liberating. A recent horror-themed shoot for Sessions by Pomegranate had
her running through the neighborhood late into the night, tapping into a level of physicality she
doesn’t usually get to explore. Horror allows her to push herself physically and emotionally,
exploring fear not as something to avoid, but as something to shape and understand
.
Her Next Chapter
Iman’s career hasn’t been without rejections, shaky confidence, or moments where fear tried to
reclaim its old space. But she treats those experiences as direction, not discouragement. Every
“no” pointed her somewhere better. Every uncomfortable moment clarified who she wanted to
become.
Today, she continues expanding her craft through new acting roles, fresh short films, and
content shaped by advocacy, humor, and relatability. She points to Addison Rae, the
TikToker-turned-musician, as a reminder that reinvention can be both fearless and fun. “Her
rebrand seriously needs to be studied,” she says, half-joking but entirely impressed.
Iman’s journey is one of quiet reinvention turning fear into fuel, small moments into
meaningful art, and creativity into a force that gently but deliberately shapes Bahrain’s emerging
storytelling landscape. She stands both before the lens and behind it, carrying the rare ability to
live the scene and shape the scene at once.
Do follow her on Instagram.
Also read: 7 Emirati Investors Reshaping the UAE’s Business Landscape
