Canadian actress and singer Zahra Bentham sat down with the CFC to discuss her artistic journey, and vision for the future of the screen industry. Zahra’s passion for performing began at a young age, and would eventually lead her to pursue a career in arts and entertainment. She has committed herself to her craft through ongoing education, including, attending the Wexford Collegiate Schoolfor the Arts, where she majored in music, theater, and drama. Additionally, Zahra completed the CBC Actors Conservatory program in 2016 at the CFC.
Zahra has worked with some of the top theatre directors and coaches in productions like RENT, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, and Welcome to Thebes, where she landed her first lead as Eurydice. Recently, Zahra completed filming for the indie feature Morningside, along with fellow CFC alum Leighton Alexander-Williams, Lovell Adams-Gray, Brandon McKnight, and Ryan Rosery. The film follows the intertwining lives within Scarborough’s Morningside community.
Zahra’s journey reminds us why it’s important to continue to celebrate the women who are shaping the future with their authenticity and unwavering determination. Discover Zahra’s story in the spotlight below.
Let’s go back to the beginning! How did you begin acting, and when did you know this was the path for you?
It all began in sixth grade when I attended Wexford CSA’s summer music theatre camps. I immersed myself in theatre and performing on stage from a very young age. Singing has been a part of my life for what feels like forever, so performing never felt nerve-wracking or out of reach. I owe a big thank you to my older sister, Aisha, for introducing me to Wexford (she was attending the school at the time) and sparking my interest in acting. Fast forward to grade 8, when I officially auditioned for theatre at Wexford and was accepted. I tried to involve myself in as many activities as possible, participating in music, theatre, dance intensive, the band, and drama focus, all while heavily involved in sports and AAA basketball in high school. By the end of grade 10, I had secured myself a film and television agent, and the rest is history. I believe I’ve always known that I belonged in the world of the arts. It’s always felt right.
You graduated from the CBC Actors Conservatory in 2015. Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the program that contributed to your growth as an artist?
I think the biggest thing I took away from the CBC Actors Conservatory was my voice. I’d like to think that I was the rebel of the bunch. I most definitely said no to some of the challenges and work days if they weren’t resonating to me. I think I’ve kept that nature of checking in with myself when it comes to life in general. Having a moral compass in life is extremely important, and even as actors, we come up against situations or even roles where we have to really ask ourselves if we want them. Is this role moving me? Will I be happy doing this for 6 seasons? There’s so much power in saying no, regardless of what your team may think. Once I tapped into that energy, a lot of things changed for me.
Can you share with us how your time at the CFC has had an impact on your career journey?
Hmm, well, I must say, I entered into a vast community of creatives, including actors, producers, writers, composers, directors, and the list goes on. I don’t think I fully grasped the extent of what I was stepping into and how interconnected everyone truly was and still is. Being part of this community alone brought a sense of familiarity when entering rooms (especially when we were going in for auditions, haha). The CFC exposed me to a wider audience and provided me with a platform to showcase my capabilities at that time. I’ve maintained strong friendships with my classmates from the 2015 program, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with other programs and alumni to this day. I believe that joining the program really helped me focus on the direction I wanted to take my career. It allowed me to understand the fundamentals of acting while also gaining an understanding of how all the different components of a film come together to make it succeed.
From left to right: Kiana Madeira and Zahra Bentham in Morningside
You recently wrapped up filming for the upcoming film Morningside, starring fellow CFC alumni. How did this project come to be, and what can you tell us about your role?
We had an ongoing joke when we were doing our EPK’s for the film, and all of our responses were “Ron called me.” Ron has been in my life for decades, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing him come up. I’m grateful enough that he and Joanne remembered me for this one! I play Renee, who is based around the extraordinary singer/songwriter Shi Wisdom. Growing up, I remember going out to events with my sister and listening to Shi perform live. Her tone, her ability to float in between notes, not many can do. She’s a legend, in her own right. When Ron asked me to do this role, truthfully, I didn’t know who I was actually playing until a few days before my wardrobe fit. So, when I did find out, I was like, Wait, what? I was honoured. This was my first time playing a real person, so I wanted to be sure I was able to capture the essence of Shi. Ron really gave myself and Kaitlyn Wright (head of wardrobe) the freedom to really embody all things, Shi. Since wardrobe and hair were the key points, we made sure to be really precise on what the final looks were. I don’t want to give too much away from the film, but I will say, getting to work with your friends is entirely different. Days on set were a breeze. There wasn’t any pressure. During extremely heavy and emotional scenes, everyone was there to help. The laughter on set was just unmatched. There was so much love. We were all so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work so closely together, and that experience gave me more fuel to ensure we could create more sets like this. It really was blissful. I’m proud of all of us. We really did that!!
Are there specific genres or types of characters you believe are underrepresented and would like to see on the big screen?
Absolutely. As a Black actress, I believe there are still many underrepresented genres and types of characters that deserve more visibility on screen. One area that comes to mind is the portrayal of nuanced and multidimensional Black female characters in genres like science fiction, fantasy, and historical dramas. Black women are often relegated to stereotypical roles or limited to supporting characters in these genres. I’d love to see more complex and empowering portrayals of Black women as protagonists in futuristic dystopias, epic fantasy sagas, and historical narratives that highlight their strength, resilience, and agency. I believe there’s a need for more diverse representation within LGBTQ+ narratives, particularly stories that center on the experiences of Black queer and trans individuals. These stories have the power to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster greater understanding and empathy among audiences. We haven’t seen enough of their stories, fully fleshed out. Seeing greater representation of Black characters in genres like romantic comedies, thrillers, and action films, where their stories are not solely defined by their race or ethnicity but are integral parts of compelling narratives that reflect the full spectrum of everyday life and the human experience. Overall, I believe that diversifying the types of characters and genres represented on screen is essential for creating a more inclusive and representative film industry that accurately reflects the rich diversity of our world, today.
Can you share a pivotal moment from your career that defines your journey as an actress? How did this experience shape you today?
A pivotal moment in my career that significantly impacted my journey was my involvement in SELFMADE: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker. Working on this series set a new standard for me. My first day on set, collaborating with Octavia Spencer, was incredibly surreal. Her professionalism, warmth, and down-to-earth nature left a lasting impression on me. While I aimed to remain grounded in the moment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe realizing I was sharing a scene with THE Octavia Spencer. Being part of SELFMADE, a story of immense cultural importance, was a reaffirming experience. It felt like I belonged there, among a talented cast and crew whom I admired. This opportunity boosted my confidence and reinforced the significance of my voice in storytelling. The diverse representation on set, from the creative team to the cast and crew, made me feel supported and understood in a way I honestly, never experienced before. Working on SELFMADE shifted my perspective on industry standards. Being surrounded by Black creatives, actors, and actresses and supported by a predominantly diverse hair and makeup team allowed me to feel at ease in an environment that typically poses challenges for Black women. This experience reshaped my expectations moving forward, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of production.
Zahra Bentham
Reflecting on your career in the film industry, what challenges have you overcome, and how have they fueled your passion for storytelling!
Reflecting on my journey in the film industry, I’ve encountered so many challenges that have ultimately fueled my passion for storytelling, both as an actress and producer. From navigating auditions to breaking into the industry, each obstacle has pushed me to become more resilient and determined in pursuing my dreams. Whether facing rejection or battling against stereotypes, I’ve learned to channel it all into my craft, using them as fuel to tell authentic and meaningful stories.
These challenges have also made me more empathetic and understanding of people’s experiences. They’ve helped me connect with characters and stories on a deeper level. Through storytelling, I’ve found a way to make sense of the world through diverse voices and perspectives that often go unnoticed. It’s strengthened my determination to push boundaries and ultimately create my production company. In the end, it’s the challenges that have shaped me as an artist and fueled my passion for storytelling. They remind me of the importance of perseverance, empathy, and authenticity in bringing stories to life on screen.
In addition to acting, you are also a wonderful singer! What unique joys do your talents bring to your creative expression? Could we expect any new music from you? (fingers crossed!)
Thank you so much for your kind words! Singing brings me immense joy and allows me to express myself in a different way compared to acting. It all started with music, since I was really young. While acting enables me to inhabit characters and tell stories through performance, singing allows me to convey emotions and connect with audiences through the power of music and melody. I’m learning that while the two worlds of acting and music, are similar, they’re also wildly different. It’s been interesting navigating through music and figuring out how the industry is structured and how it essentially moves. While acting, there’s so much structure, music is way more free-flowing. So, I’m finding my way! I’m almost done putting together my EP, which I’m so excited to share. IT’S ALL COMING SO SO SOON!! EEEK
As a Black creator, what are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of representation in the screen industry, and what positive changes do you hope to see for the next generation of storytellers?
As a Black woman working in the film industry, I’ve observed a positive shift towards greater representation, but I recognize there’s still a lot of room for growth. I hope to see more opportunities for authentic storytelling from diverse perspectives, ensuring that the richness and complexity of our world are accurately reflected on screen. This involves not only featuring diverse characters but also empowering creators from underrepresented communities to share their unique voices and narratives. I also support giving more opportunities to people from marginalized groups. Many talented storytellers from minority backgrounds have had a hard time getting into the industry due to things like not having enough money or facing unfair treatment. If we work to fix these problems and make the industry fairer and inclusive, we can discover lots of untapped talent and bring more diverse stories to the screen. This will make the industry better for future storytellers.
What aspects of your career are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my resilience in the face of countless rejections and setbacks in this industry. Despite hearing numerous “no’s,” I’ve stayed on course in pursuing my passion and have continued to grow as an actress and creator. Each rejection has only made me more determined to prove myself and has ultimately strengthened my resolve to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding field. Not all “no’s” are bad. In hindsight, I’ve been so grateful for where the no’s have taken me.
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring female creators?
I encourage you to embrace your unique voice, talents, and perspective. Don’t be afraid to take up space and share your stories with the world. Remember that your experiences, insights, and creativity are invaluable contributions to the cultural landscape. Stay resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and learning. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creators who uplift and empower each other. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and breaking down barriers. Your creativity has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and catalyze change. Never underestimate the impact of your work and the importance of your voice in shaping the future of storytelling.
Above all, believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference. Your passion, determination, and perseverance will carry you far on your journey as a female creator. Happy International Women’s Day!
What’s next for you?
I have several upcoming projects in the pipeline. Firstly, I’m thrilled to announce the release of my debut EP, which, as I mentioned, will be coming so soon. Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with my dear friend and actress Kiana Madeira on a project that will be announced to the public shortly. I’m excited for the premiere of How to Die Alone, a show created by Natasha Rothwell, which is scheduled to air this spring. On top of all that, I’ve got a couple of films in the works and a show I worked out that I’ve had to keep hush about, but it’s finally hitting screens in April. Yay!! Lots of exciting stuff is coming up, but I’m keeping my head down and doing more work! The hustle never stops!
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