main content Danyal K. Afzal

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

My second home, my lyceum, my Palatine Hill!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted an education that wasn’t just about textbooks and lectures but about critical thinking, global perspectives, and interdisciplinary learning. L&C stood out because of its emphasis on the liberal arts, its international outlook, and the freedom it gave students to carve their own academic paths.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Since graduating, I’ve been working in filmmaking, particularly in historical and political storytelling. I lead a production team of over 200 people, and I’m currently directing and producing a historical drama series on Fatima Jinnah, a key but often overlooked figure in Pakistan’s history. My work has been about reexamining historical narratives and bringing them to a wider audience through cinema.

What can you tell us about your historical drama series on Fatima Jinnah?

This series is an ambitious, six-volume historical drama that tells the story of Fatima Jinnah, not just as the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah but as a revolutionary, a stateswoman, and a woman who challenged societal norms. It blends historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling and aims to bring her legacy back into the public consciousness. We’re working with a range of historians, artists, and researchers to ensure authenticity, and we’re also experimenting with AI-driven filmmaking techniques.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for this work?

L&C fostered my ability to think critically about history, power structures, and narratives. The emphasis on interdisciplinary studies allowed me to connect history with media, politics, and storytelling. Also, the college’s culture of questioning conventional wisdom gave me the confidence to challenge mainstream historical narratives and create something bold.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

That history isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we understand ourselves today. My rhetoric and media studies, theatre, and elective courses taught me to analyze history as a living force, constantly reshaped by those who tell its stories.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I keep in touch with former professors, engage with L&C alumni networks, and follow the college’s work in global education. However, I’d love to collaborate with the college in the future on projects that bridge history, media, and storytelling.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

A way of thinking that refuses to be confined to a single perspective. It’s about drawing connections between disciplines—history, philosophy, literature, science—to create a more complete understanding of the world.

What did you like or find most interesting about your rhetoric and media studies major?

At first, studying Western civilization was challenging—diving into works like the Aeneid, The Trojan Women, Descartes, and Shakespeare felt overwhelming. But my professors trained me so well that, eventually, I felt confident enough to bring in writing from my own part of the world. Using the Western approach to rhetoric, I was encouraged to incorporate texts from the Mughal era and speeches from my founding fathers, allowing me to experience the best of both worlds.

And let’s not forget—I’ve always been a huge Marvel and DC fan. My advisor, Professor Christenson, actually approved my thesis on X-Men and the portrayal of gender in the 1994 animated series. Where else in the world would you get this kind of academic freedom, huh? And yeah—I scored a B+!

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

Both of my bosses—Mark Minty from Pamplin Sports Complex and Brian King from Facilities—were my mentors. They taught me how to be independent and get the work done efficiently.

Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?

I returned to campus for my class reunion in 2018 and had the opportunity to share one of my award-winning documentaries with my L&C family. Now, I’m counting down the days until the next reunion—time is flying by way too fast, and my class is turning more vintage with each passing day!

How do you encourage other alumni to give back to the college?

By staying engaged, sharing knowledge, and supporting initiatives that help students gain access to unique learning experiences—whether through mentorship, funding creative projects, or contributing to academic programs that challenge the status quo.

Rhetoric and Media Studies Newsroom Story 2017 Newsroom Story 2014