Meet Ian Sawan | Actor & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Sawan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, why did you pursue a creative career?
My journey towards a creative career is deeply rooted in my lifelong dedication to activism. Since childhood, I’ve been engaged in various initiatives advocating for causes close to my heart, ranging from environmentalism, to facilitating access to education in underserved communities, and more. As I matured, I realized that my passion for activism stems from a deeper place than just a desire to see a better world in front of me, but from my roots as a Palestinian-Vietnamese individual, who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. I am a direct descendant of individuals exiled from war-torn countries, and I am a part of multiple communities who continue to be persecuted simply for existing. My desire to play my part in the collective resistance against the discriminating forces surrounding these communities has always been at the core of all my artistic pursuits.

My dedication to raising awareness and supporting different humanitarian causes has shown me the universal need for humanity and connection. Theatre and music were what captivated my heart from the very beginning, as they possess a unique ability to convey deeply resonant stories that are integral in influencing the collective conscience. They are like stitches in the fabric of history, and they serve as reminders of our commitment to understanding our own humanity—a commitment we must consistently share and practice to prevent the consequences of inhumanity. Through my artistic pursuits, I strive to contribute to projects that ignite creativity, spark dialogue, and shed light on pressing social issues. I aim to tell stories that foster change and create a deeper sense of connectedness and empathy within our diverse world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What often sets me apart from most people is my uniquely international heritage and upbringing, which has exposed me to the richness of the world’s diversity from a young age. In my creative pursuits, I am most excited about the opportunities to weave stories that reflect the intersectionality of my heritages, experiences, and passions, as well as those I have encountered. At the heart of my creative endeavors lies a commitment to understanding humanity and projecting it back to the world authentically. I take immense pride in remaining true to myself and the communities I belong to as part of the creative process.

Navigating through my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Imposter syndrome has emerged as one of the most formidable hurdles, both personally and professionally. Within my own life, I’ve often grappled with feelings of inadequacy—questioning whether I’m “Arab enough,” “Asian enough,” “gay enough”. As a creative, I’ve battled with the perception that other actors possess superior skills, humor, drive, or allure.

During periods of career stagnation or heightened stress, I’ve realized that my fixation on these external factors has only hindered my growth. However, I’ve gleaned an invaluable lesson along the way: the importance of redirecting that energy inward. By shifting my focus away from the opinions of others and towards envisioning the life I desire, the art I want to create, and the impact I aim to leave on my industry, I’ve regained control.

By embracing authenticity and clarifying my purpose, I’ve embarked on a journey of self-discovery, propelled by my intrinsic motivations. It’s a process of honing in on where I stand authentically and understanding my “why”—the driving force propelling me towards my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place my mind went to was, of course, food. Something that every one of my family members and I have in common is that we like to plan our day around what and where we are going to eat! So, naturally, the area we’d probably hit up the most would be Buford Highway/ Jimmy Carter Blvd. It reminds me a lot of where I grew up, because of how many cultures are packed into one area. Nam Phuong has the best Pho I’ve ever had in my life, Quoc Huong has the most authentic Banh Mi for only $3, and Northern China Eatery has incredible dumplings, just to name a few spots. I’d also take them to Jerusalem Bakery for a very nostalgic lunch, and some light grocery shopping.

If there’s one other thing you should know about me, it’s that my love language is grabbing an iced *anything* and going for a long walk. I’d have to take them to Perc or Ash Coffee in Virginia Highlands, then walk along the beltline to Piedmont Park for a little picnic. I’m very outdoorsy, so I love areas like Grant Park, Candler Park, and Inman Park where you can stroll around and enjoy Atlanta’s (mostly) beautiful weather!

For bars and nightlife, I’m a big fan of East Atlanta Village because it has everything from Argosy and Banshee for nice drinks and food, to Mary’s and the Basement for dancing! I’m also a big fan of really well-crafted and unique cocktails, and my two favorite places right now are El Malo and Pata Negra Mezcaleria which both have a really eccentric and sophisticated ambience as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my parents! Both of them have dedicated the greater part of their lives to provide me and my siblings with resources and experiences that they didn’t have when they grew up, for which I am forever grateful. They have always been my biggest motivators, the ones who would challenge me to be the best version of myself that I can be, and also my biggest fans, encouraging and supporting me in all of my pursuits. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I want them to know how deeply I appreciate the privileges and the life they have afforded me, and that I will never take them for granted.

Website: www.iansawan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iansawan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iansawan/

Image Credits
Josh Stringer Photography (for horizontal headshot).