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

Hi Emile, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When people ask me about my industry… I kind of smile, because it’s not just one. It’s a fusion of many worlds—filmmaking, entrepreneurship, national security, and cybersecurity—and truthfully, it’s all gray. But that gray zone is where I thrive.

As a filmmaker, I’ve found storytelling to be more than just an art form—it’s been a lifeline. Directing, producing, writing… these things helped me process the world, connect with people, and inspire change. The accolades never mattered as much as the impact. If one person walks away feeling seen, or motivated to be a better version of themselves, then the film did its job.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned more about my own resilience and identity than I ever expected. Being the CEO of my own company is like standing in a mirror that reflects back your strength, your doubt, your discipline. It’s brutal. And it’s beautiful.

And then there’s cybersecurity and national security—that’s where my core lives. I’ve been through a different kind of life. I’m a fighter. My battlefields have changed over time, but the mission never has: protect people. Use every tool—media, tech, film, intelligence—to keep people safe. Not so they know what was prevented, but so they never have to. So life can just be peaceful. Boring, even. That’s the goal: a world so safe, so ethical, so rooted in decency and love, that people can be bored in the best way.

At the end of the day, I just want to help people. That’s what all of this is about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
How did I get here professionally? Honestly—by sheer will, odd jobs, and a refusal to quit. I’ve worked at Yard House, I’ve bartended, I’ve served tables… I’ve had over 40 jobs in my life. And yeah, I’ve been fired from more than I can count—mostly because I’ve always had a problem with authority. I know I’m smart, I know I’m capable, and I’ve never been great at pretending otherwise.

But through it all, I kept chasing film. I kept writing, directing, learning. I always knew I had a mission in this life, and I figured out how to fund it, how to survive it, and how to stay aligned with it—even when it sucked. And it did suck. Sometimes it still does.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is surrender. I don’t control everything—and I’m not supposed to. Radical self-love, radical self-acceptance, and grace have been my anchors. I believe I chose to be here. I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ. I don’t need to preach to anyone, but I stand in that truth, just like I stand with people like Stephen Colbert—quietly firm in my faith, even in an industry that rarely welcomes it.

I’ve worked across film, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and national security. And in all of it, the foundation is the same: ethics first. Ethics over duty. Ethics over operations. Ethics over everything.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is this: I believe in kindness. In equality. In humility. In love. In wisdom. In learning—and unlearning. The more I grow, the more I realize how little I know. Ego has no place here. But self-love does. And practicing that—daily, radically, at the quantum level—has changed my vibration, my world, and everything around me.

We need more love. More empathy. More gratitude. More listening. Less violence. And every single day I wake up with a thousand mental browser tabs open, but the goal is always the same: protect people. Inspire people. Do the right thing. Create with purpose. And help people live their life journey without trauma, fear, or injustice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You want the LA experience? Buckle up. Here’s the weeklong itinerary I’d give my best friend if they came to visit—and yes, it’s extra. But so is LA.

We’re starting coastal, obviously—Santa Monica first, then heading straight to Neptune’s Net, a legendary seafood shack sitting at the tip of LA County. This is the holy grail of fried shrimp baskets and biker-ride energy.

From there, it’s taco truck time. You must hit Ricky’s Fish Tacos—non-negotiable. And then swing by Tacos La Estrella on York Blvd for the kind of taco that will make you question every previous meal decision you’ve made.

After eating entirely too much, we’ll walk it off at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, soak in the people-watching, and then head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Why? Because storytelling is sacred. And conveniently across the street? The Petersen Automotive Museum, which will even impress your “I’m not a car person” friend.

Sundays are for the Fairfax Flea Market, which—let’s be honest—is second only to the Resurrection and maybe Beyoncé’s Coachella set. Do not miss it.

We’ll hit The Last Bookstore downtown (an architectural love letter to books) and Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena—because supporting indie bookstores is required in this house.

We’ll catch a show at UCB or The Groundlings because laughter is cheaper than therapy. And we’re definitely eating at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood—it’s vegan, vibey, and worth every bite.

For movie night, there’s nowhere like The Vista Theatre. Opened in 1923 and inspired by the King Tut tomb discovery, it’s pure cinematic soul.

We’ll hike through Griffith Park—because hiking is LA’s unofficial sport—and we’re making a stop at the Old Zoo, a dream for photographers and people who like their history with a side of eeriness.

At some point, we’re treating ourselves to the Raven Spa in Silver Lake. Tucked behind a busy street, it’s like wandering into a hidden Balinese oasis, and frankly, after that hike, we’ve earned it.

Then… there’s The Magic Castle. It’s part dream, part illusion, part “was that guy levitating or was that just a really strong edible?” Either way, it’s an LA rite of passage.

If we’re talking spooky LA energy, we have to mention the Cecil Hotel, which is now a shelter, but once hosted not one—but two—serial killers. That’s not a fun fact, that’s an LA warning label.

For families, the Autry Museum of the American West is surprisingly awesome—plus it has a petting zoo. If you’ve got kids or just really like goats, it’s a win.

And if you’re a hipster or aspiring screenwriter with one page written and a dream, book your stay at Hotel Covell. You’ll feel artsy and mysterious for at least 48 hours.

Finally, buy a postcard. Not because anyone actually sends them—but because rumor has it LA funds its infrastructure through ironic purchases and uncashed parking tickets.

And if you couldn’t hear the sarcasm, congrats—you’ve officially adapted to Los Angeles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank my sister Sonia. She’s been my compass—my sage—always reflecting the best in me, even in the moments I struggled to see it myself. Her wisdom and grounding presence have shaped so much of who I am.

I also want to give deep thanks to Steve Eastin, one of the greatest acting coaches I could have ever hoped to learn from. He didn’t just teach me about craft—he taught me about life. More than some of the most revered men I’ve crossed paths with in different chapters of my journey, Steve helped me grow into myself.

And finally, I owe so much to Christina Scherer. Her friendship, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in me have had a profound impact on my life. She is one of the finest actors in Hollywood—and one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met. Without her influence and support, this interview—and so much of what I’ve been able to become—simply wouldn’t exist. I carry immense gratitude, respect, and appreciation for her.

Website: https://www.emiletourifilmmaker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecipherwalker?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiletouri/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCipherWalker

Image Credits
Credit for all pictures goes to Emile Touri

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.