HLT #140 - ANISA ASHABI

HISTORIC LYNWOOD THEATRE PODCAST #140 - ANISA ASHABI

My guest today is writer, filmmaker, executive producer, kick-boxer and local female show runner, Anisa Ashabi. Her novel, begun when she was in third grade, FINDING CHAZ, is in bookstores everywhere, and the film adaptation, shot on Bainbridge Island, is currently in post-production in Hollywood prepping for a Spring of ’25 release. Directing FINDING CHAZ, our old friend, and answer to the trivia question 'who is the only guest to appear on the HLT podcast more than once?' was the talented Andrew Taylor.

Prior to adding those amazing accomplishments to her resume, Anisa, a Wassu communications major, took a job interning with KING 5 TV and also did a short stint with the FBI. You read that right. As validation, here is Anita’s official bio that appears in her Amazon.com page on FINDING CHAZ. "Anisa Ashabi grew up on an island near Seattle, creating characters, skits, and stories, mainly to entertain her older brother. Though now technically adults, they still regularly summon the voices of old favorites and degenerate into raunchy humor. Anisa studied journalism and communications at Washington State University and has worked in many fields, from local news to Capitol Hill, and even did a stint at the FBI. A former kickboxing champ, Anisa is usually found working out at the gym protecting what’s left of her mental health. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her German Shepherd rescue, Anubis. Finding Chaz is the first of many novels to come."

Obviously we know exactly to which Island near Settle they refer.

Anisa and I spent the better part of an hour talking about her journey from a Bremerton hospital, my guess would be Harrison Medical Center, to Pullman, back to North Kitsap and ultimately to Woodward Elementary and the baby grand piano in the lobby of the Historic Lynwood Theatre. Somewhere along that creative path the legend of CHAZ was born. 

Perhaps the best news is that Anisa has promised to debut FINDING CHAZ here in the Spring of 2025! You heard it here first. 

Enjoy the ride. 

Kevin

10.24.24

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