Mawaan Rizwan Keynote Speaker

Mawaan Rizwan is a BAFTA-winning actor, comedian, and writer whose inventive storytelling has redefined British comedy. In 2024, he received the BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance for his BBC Three series Juice, a surreal, semi-autobiographical show he created, wrote, and starred in. The series, co-starring his mother Shahnaz and brother Nabhaan, has been renewed for a second season slated for Autumn 2025 .

Rizwan began his career as a self-taught YouTuber, gaining early recognition for his comedic sketches. He expanded his reach by hosting the BBC documentary How Gay Is Pakistan? (2015), exploring LGBTQ+ issues in his country of birth. His stand-up performances at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018 and 2019 received critical acclaim, showcasing his unique blend of physical comedy and heartfelt storytelling .

As a writer, Rizwan contributed to Netflix’s Sex Education (2019–2021), enhancing the show’s celebrated LGBTQ+ narratives. His multifaceted talent earned him a spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2020 . In 2024, he made his West End debut in The Rocky Horror Show, further demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Rizwan’s work is characterized by its authenticity, humor, and cultural insight. He offers audiences a fresh perspective on creativity, resilience, and inclusion, drawing from his experiences navigating multiple identities and platforms.