Inspired by Jordan Peele's Get Out, Westbrook ventured into directing, seizing an opportunity to helm a concept film when no director was available. Her directorial debut, New Growth, a short film intended as a precursor to a feature of the same name, the film was showcased in the Cannes Film Festival short film corner and won Best Comedy Short in the Top Shorts Film Festival. This film led to her securing representation as a Director.

 

To expand her repertoire, she started to shadow Directors. Karimah has shadowed directors Michael Schultz, Kelli Williams and Daisy Von Scherler Mayer (often from “prep-to-post”). In 2025, Karimah directed her second episode of scripted television, All American, for Warner Brothers Entertainment. She finds directing just as rewarding as acting. Her background as a performer gives her a distinct ability to connect with actors and enhance storytelling on set. Recently, Karimah created an anthology web series titled Dreamhouse that will feature other directors and she directed three of the episodes. The fantasy drama will feature different up-and-coming actors for each episode.

 

A graduate of The DGA AASC The Learning Tree directing mentorship program, an Alliance of Women Directors member and a Film Independent Project Involve fellow, Karimah continues to learn the craft of directing by participating in workshops, classes, and seminars. On her journey, she has completed directing courses at the New York Film Academy as well as obtained a NYU Tisch certificate for their Business of Entertainment Program.