Akbar Hamid & Evan Schwartz To Launch F.L.U.I.D., An Indie Studio And Film Fund For LGBTQIA+ Stories And Creators
EXCLUSIVE: Marketing executive and entrepreneur Akbar Hamid in collaboration with indie film distribution executive Evan Schwartz are set to launch F.L.U.I.D., a production company, film fund and community resource dedicated to centering LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, storytellers and artists.
F.L.U.I.D. will formally launch Friday with an event following the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ 25th anniversary screening and cast reunion of the 1999 cult classic Jawbreaker, written and directed by Darren Stein. F.L.U.I.D. is a community partner for the event, part of its mission is to showcase the growing demand for compelling queer narratives to the underserved LGBTQIA+ audience.
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F.L.U.I.D. — the acronym stands for “Fierce, Liberating, Unique Intersection of Diversity” — is envisioned as a collective of exclusively LGBTQIA+ creators, producers, talent and community advocates who share a commitment to authentic representation for marginalized voices. The company plans to fundraise this year with efforts to invest in emerging and established talent to ensure inclusive storytelling for global queer communities.
Hamid is founder and CEO of The 5th Column agency and a two-decade veteran in brand building, working with global clients including Birkenstock, Absolut Vodka, Virgin Hotels, NYX Cosmetics and Binance. He served as a commentator for Vogue Business, Barron’s and AdAge, as a featured speaker at the World Economic Forum, Web Summit and SXSW, and as a strategic advisor and partner to BCG, Publicis Sapient & R/GA.
At F.L.U.I.D., he will lead the studio’s initiatives spotlighting queer AAPI and Muslim voices with a slate of shorts and features in development.
“LGBTQIA+ stories and creators are driving culture, and it’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve,” Hamid said. “We aim to create new opportunities and funding pathways for the global queer community, sharing stories that inspire change and move beyond trauma-driven narratives.”
Schwartz will advise F.L.U.I.D. and remain EVP Distribution at Wolfe Releasing, the longest-running distributor of exclusively LGBTQIA+ films. At Wolfe, Schwartz has led the acquisition, marketing and distribution of queer cinema gems including 1985, Adam, Hurricane Bianca, Nelly & Nadine, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, Retablo and Sue Bird: In the Clutch. He previously worked at Cinetic, Amplify Releasing and Brainstorm Media and was on the Narrative Feature jury last year at Outfest.
“It is an honor to announce the creation of F.L.U.I.D. at a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry,” said Schwartz. “I believe LGBTQIA+ representation should be a top priority for every studio and streaming service. I am excited to see the impact F.L.U.I.D. will make on the culture.”
Additional advisors include writer-director Fawzia Mirza and producer-activist Andria Wilson Mirza. The company is legally advised by Ramo Law, PC.
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