I’m a London-based filmmaker with a multi-disciplinary approach. Within my film practice, I developed work as a director, producer, editor, camera operator, production designer and costume designer, allowing me to create a versatile and creative skillset. I worked on a variety of independent film projects and video productions, where I have been involved in every aspect of the process, from pre-production planning to post-production editing, creating compelling content with limited resources and little to no budget. Over the years, I have honed my skills in scriptwriting, directing, producing and editing. I began my journey in the realm of creative documentary, where I had the opportunity to serve as a self-shooting director/producer, often working independently or with a small team. However, as I transitioned into fiction and began working on larger-scale sets alongside a more extensive crew, I delved deeper into the intricacies of the creative industry and various departments within film production. This experience has granted me a distinctive outlook on the creative process, honing my resourcefulness and creativity while enabling me to adeptly discover innovative solutions to challenges and recognise opportunities that are often overlooked or underestimated.
My first narrative screenplay was celebrated with multiple awards and my first short documentary film “The Flower of Maryam '' was screened in the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and selected as part of Caravan de Entre Cineastas de Bilbao, Spain 2021. In 2022, I received my Master of Arts in Film from the University of the Arts London (UAL). During my time at UAL, I have had the opportunity to know and collaborate with artists from diverse disciplines including fashion design and art direction. An example of my collaborative work is "Bale Tales," through which I worked as a content producer and film editor.” Bale Tales” explores the stories behind second-hand clothing exports between the UK and Ghana while addressing sustainability in fashion. The project consisted of a documentary film, digital content for social media, and an art installation. "Bale Tales" was recognised and featured in London Fashion Week 2022. Another example of my creative collaboration was with an art director in her pursuit of identity, we creatively collaborated on her “in translation”, a short film project aiming to use visual storytelling to address the idea of identity and connection.
Moreover, before relocating to the UK, I honed my skills in the film industry in my hometown of Cairo, Egypt. In Cairo, I have come to observe a significant gender gap within the creative industry, which resulted in an unfortunate lack of diversity and representation. Women often faced barriers that hindered their progress and limited their ability to showcase their talent. This disparity not only affects gender equality but also impacts the overall diversity of the industry, as voices from different backgrounds and perspectives are excluded. There, I worked closely with Between Women Filmmakers, an organization dedicated to empowering women filmmakers with the necessary tools and resources to pursue a career in film. Through a series of workshops and mentorship, I assisted six talented female directors in producing and directing their short films. This project was groundbreaking, as it was the first of its kind in Egypt, featuring an all-women crew.
As a creative, I deeply understand the significance of collaboration and maintaining a positive mindset in achieving collective success. I am driven to foster a safe and supportive environment for my team, where every individual feels valued, heard, and respected. Recognizing the importance of each team member's unique perspective and contributions, I strive to create a space where everyone feels empowered to express their thoughts and opinions openly. Through my previous experiences as a filmmaker, I have had the privilege of working with teams of varying sizes and diverse backgrounds. In each instance, I have made it a priority to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels acknowledged and comfortable, leading to fruitful collaboration and successful production outcomes. Throughout my journey as a filmmaker, I have encountered numerous obstacles and challenges that demanded quick thinking and innovative solutions. Maintaining a calm and composed demeanour under pressure is a quality I pride myself on, as it allows me to objectively assess the situation and make effective decisions. This ability has been instrumental in meeting tight deadlines and ensuring the smooth progression of production. I approach every project with determination and adaptability, finding creative ways to overcome hurdles and deliver high-quality results.
I am deeply passionate about storytelling and exploring intricate concepts and ideas and transforming them into creative works that have the power to inspire and transform audiences. I love and enjoy collaborating with fellow creatives to create experiences that foster connection, empathy, and community is something I truly enjoy. I strongly believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to create a sense of belonging and connection. I have a deep appreciation for the importance of diversity and inclusivity, not only in the workplace but in all aspects of life. Growing up as a woman in a male-dominated industry and as a person from an ethnic and religious minority, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that come with not fitting into the dominant culture or prevailing narratives. This experience has taught me the value of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. As a filmmaker, I believe it is crucial to use my platform to amplify voices that are often silenced or marginalized. Through my work as a filmmaker, I hope to inspire, support, and empower individuals by telling stories that resonate with them and highlight their unique experiences.
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