What does “inclusivity” mean to you?
Inclusivity has always been at the forefront of any project I work on. Even when I was a student at USC where I did the Film and Television masters program, I was the only production student and one of the first members of the Diversity and Inclusion Council. In addition, I organized with several faculty members and students, a serious of speakers that worked on inviting diverse filmmakers to come and share their story and struggles and how they overcame the hurdles of not so inclusive Hollywood.
How do you define success?
To be proud of the work you put out and feel that you are giving back in the process. Success is not easily defined and this industry is challenging and requires perseverance and patience.
What do you perceive as the biggest challenge in the industry right now?
There are many challenges that face POC filmmakers and up and coming filmmakers in general. The biggest challenge I would say is the monopoly that is happening in the industry. The big companies that are merging and making it harder and harder to small folks like us to catch a break and get a shot. It has always been who you know but it is especially true these days.
What do you think our greatest responsibility is as creators?
One of my main goals is to change the perception of Arabs in media and to change the representation and that can be applied to any passion/issue the filmmaker has, from women issues to LGBT to a political standpoint. I started with Louay Khraish of Film Independent and Hala Khadora of Sundance an organization called Arab Media Arts Collective we gathered filmmakers from the Arab world that work in LA and we created a database and through events for them to network and know each other. We have 94 members as of now and we continue to grow as the word gets out sine only started in May of this year.
What are steps we can take collectively and/or individually to become more inclusive as an industry?
When I am the producer or the production manager on a project, I make sure that my sets are inclusive. I hire the best person for the job but I make it a goal of mine to diversify the crew as well as the cast, I cherish it when I am introduced to a talented female grip or gaffer as this has been a boys club, so I make sure to always be on the lookout. It is harder when we are not in a position where we are the decision-makers, but we must not be afraid to point out an issue or suggest that the production widen their horizons and look outside the box.
What is one story that you would tell if you had unlimited funds to tell it?
The short answer is a biopic about Kahlil Gibran fascinating childhood in Lebanon up till his rise to fame in NYC literary scene at the turn of the 20th century. The long answer is that making a movie requires four miracles. The first miracle is finishing the script without changing it to someone else’s liking, the second miracle is financing it, thirdly the miracle of executing the film as intended, and finally the miracle of distribution, will anyone get to see it?
Who, currently working in the industry, inspires you?
Honestly many do, but I’m going to single out Ava DuVernay. She is a trailblazer and inspirational in many aspects. She was able to give back to her community and be the change that she wants to see. Recently when they were crewing for “Queen Sugar” she made sure to hire for all the episodes a female director.
Name a movie you think everyone should see.
A Separation (2011), Asghar Farhadi’s film. It is, in my opinion, a flawless film in every aspect.
What would you like to promote? (can be your own project, someone else, an organization, a cause, a movie, company, brand, whatever)
Lookout for Wyrm (2019) a feature film directed by Christopher Winterbauer I was the production manager on it and the producer of the short that it was based on.