Meet Mahmoud AboBAKER | Realisture

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahmoud AboBAKER and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahmoud, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Firstly, Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, or Al-Mu’allaqat (the Suspended Odes). I’m not just inspired by its antiquity, but by its raw, untamed power. This was poetry composed in an oral tradition, where language wasn’t just beautiful—it was a tool for survival, reputation, and memory. I’m inspired by its themes of fleeting life, destiny, chivalry, and deep lament. The imagery is so visceral: the abandoned campsite, the relentless desert, the unwavering code of honor. It teaches me about economy of expression and emotional potency. Secondly, the 100-year legacy of Egyptian cinema. This isn’t just a national cinema; it’s the heartbeat of the Arab world and a masterclass in cultural resonance. I’m inspired by its incredible range—from the golden age musicals of Umm Kulthum and Abdel Halim Hafez that blended romance with nationalist fervor, to the sharp social realism of directors like Salah Abu Seif and Youssef Chahine who fearlessly critiqued society. Finally, these two threads converge in the work of the director Hatem Ali. He was a master at adapting historical and literary epics for a modern television audience. In his work, like Al-Zeer Salem and Saqr Quraysh, he didn’t just present history; he humanized it. He took the epic, almost mythical scale of pre-Islamic tales and the grand emotional tradition of Arab drama and grounded them in relatable characters and political intrigue. I am specifically inspired by his ability to make the past feel urgent and present. He demonstrated how to honor cultural heritage while making it compelling and accessible for a contemporary viewer. His work is a guiding light for me in how to treat historical and cultural source material with both respect and creative vitality.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I define myself as a realisturist, a term I prefer because it reflects my deep commitment to an empathetic realism, finding profound stories in the authentic, unvarnished human experience. This philosophy stems from my view of filmmaking as an integrated pursuit—I am not just a director but a practitioner immersed in the entire process, from the art of storytelling and the craft of editing to the science of the lens. My journey to this clarity was not easy, forged through hands-on doing and learning from every failure, which taught me that constraints breed creativity and that my unique voice is my greatest asset. Ultimately, I want the world to know that my brand is built on a relentless pursuit of emotional truth, believing in the power of a genuine moment to connect with an audience on a deeply human level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While I’m still exploring California myself, I’d start by hosting you right in my Californian hometown, Anaheim, for some local food, then we can turn my newness in California/USA into a shared adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It began on the ground in Germany, where I worked with NGOs like Start with a Friend and my friend, Atussa Hamid, during the refugee crisis. This was my first, and most profound, education. It wasn’t in a lecture hall; it was in the lived experience of seeing how human connection is the bedrock of integration. Atussa and the organization showed me that policy is only as effective as the personal welcome that accompanies it. This work instilled in me a deep understanding of community, resilience, and the practical challenges people face when building a new life.
That hands-on experience directly fueled my desire to tell powerful, human-centric stories, which led me to a traineeship at the Academy of German Film under Anne Leppin. Having seen these impactful narratives unfold in real life, I was eager to learn how to translate them onto the screen. The team at the Academy took a chance on me—someone with passion and real-world insight, but without a traditional film background. Anne Leppin’s belief was critical; she empowered me to channel my experiences into creative work, teaching me the craft needed to give those stories a voice.
And this convergence of practical experience and professional skill ignited a clear purpose in me: to solidify this foundation with formal academic training. That’s what led me to my caring teachers and counselor, Rosario Carachure, at Fullerton College. After everything I had seen and done, I wasn’t going to school just to check a box. I was there with a mission. Rosario understood that. She helped me strategically select courses that would build upon my unique background, turning my lived experiences and technical skills into a robust academic framework. She was the architect who helped me structure my past into a purposeful future.”

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