Izyan Ali | Top 20 Under 20 2026

by Olivia Piché

Age: 19

Izyan Ali jumped into the world of filmmaking with no funding or connections and little knowledge, but a lot of ambition. The result was his crime/drama short film, The Legacy, which premiered at the Globe Cinema in 2023 to more than 100 attendees.

The project gave Ali the confidence to tackle more filmmaking projects and surround himself with other passionate creators.

“I just fell in love with the concept that you can do anything; you can try anything. If you fail, you can still try again,” he says.

He continues to connect audiences with impactful causes through film as a youth ambassador for Struggle Is Your Success, a non-profit that empowers BIPOC youth. And, as the co-host for Ascend, a youth creative collective that organizes co-working sessions, Ali also encourages youth to explore their passions.