Meet Joud AlAmri | Filmmaker

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

Hi Joud, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In a nutshell? My whole career has been a risk and that hasn’t changed till this day. Ever since I graduated high school from Saudi Arabia I kept taking risks to make it in a profession that wasn’t acknowledged by my home country then. I risked everything and everyone I knew for a chance to pursue my passion for storytelling and the arts. From moving to Dubai, setting up a life there, then risking that for yet another move to Los Angeles, I kept taking a chance on my talents, what I had to offer, my voice, and myself. Now working in the independent film industry, every project is a risk, but I like to see it as taking chances. Taking chances on a story, its crew members, actors, and most importantly its message. I think of risk as trust in the process and trust in what I have to offer. Risks are what got me to where I am today and I hope I never stop taking them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative, I recognize art as not only a means of creative expression, entertainment, and storytelling, but also as an effective gateway into different and unfamiliar worlds. At the same time, as an Arab, I’ve grown aware of the lack of honest representation of the Arabian world and its rich cultures. I find it necessary, in a globalized world, to share stories from the points of view of those people that often fall through the cracks. Simply put, I’m interested in people and I’m interested in telling their stories. Whether I can do that as a filmmaker, writer, or photographer, I’m always glad to bring forth new and unique stories to the world.

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.
Hikes, museums, beaches, and comedy clubs are my usual go tos whenever someone visits me in LA. Runyon Canyon and Elysian Park have gorgeous views of the city. LACMA and The Broad always make their way to the top of any tourist check list. Venice, Manhattan beach, and Malibu are fantastic spots to kill an afternoon with ease, and a show at The Comedy Store followed by dinner and drinks in West Hollywood makes for a great night out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m proud to say that I’ve had an army behind me all along. My father and my three wonderful sisters have been the base of my support system that only kept growing as I took on mentors, peers, and precious friendships that have pushed me to keep going and growing.

Website: http://jalamri.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jalamri/

Image Credits
Anusha Jain. Almas Ismurzin. Victor Soares. Elena Rojas. Hala Abouchakra.