Hollywood was too afraid to distribute this movie. So the director built her own company and did it herself

When Cherien Dabis entered the doors of Fast Company’s lower Manhattan offices, she was the picture of grace: Willowy and effervescent, she greeted me with the air of an old friend, though we had only connected once before.   Dabis is an acclaimed actress, writer, and producer whose work on shows like Quantico, Ramy, and Ozark, and Mo has landed multiple accolades: Emmy nominations, a Peabody Award, and a Tribeca Film Festival award.  Her identity as a Palestinian-American has long influenced…