Meet Mona Mekkawi | Production Designer and a Filmmaker

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

Hi Mona, what are you inspired by?

I find inspiration in the subtle nuances of everyday life, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges, the boundless creativity within us, and the beauty of nature surrounding us. Additionally, the stories of individuals who overcome adversity, the exploration of new ideas, and the pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery all serve as sources of deep inspiration for me. Every day, I’m captivated by the world around me, the symphony of humanity. From the simple act of pressing an elevator button in my building to the ancient stories etched into the streets. The intricate dance of past and present, from craftsmanship to the fusion of modern luxury, enchants me. Walking in the streets watching all these historical buildings and the amount of details it carries within. The idea of what a human can create? From tech to luxury details. the amount of time and effort spent to shape an ornament in a building, all with love and passion!

I am inspired by nature and how everything around me breathes the way we do. I believe nature whispers secrets that I eagerly listen to. I take these murmurs and translate them into words, and sometimes, they become entire landscapes in my mind. This all urges me to become more and more of a storyteller. Hear what nature would tell me and translate it into words then into designs and sometimes a whole picture.

The idea of weaving these inspirations into my work echoes the craftspeople of old—think of those who painted their hearts on canvas in the 17th century, or shaped stones in ancient Egypt. Their passion left marks that continue to touch us today and will remain after us. The idea of the art living longer than the artist is everything to me.

My journey as a designer began when I was just a child of four. Armed with a pencil, I drew the world around me. The process, moving from observation to the graceful strokes of my hand, The idea of copying nature and what my eyes can see into a piece of paper and getting people to see things the way I see them, with the exact colors and proportions. The process of conceptualizing this idea, how it entered my mind, underwent filtration, and how my hands and personality transformed it into a drawing, has greatly enhanced my ability to communicate with people. My childhood extended beyond mere drawing; it also encompassed writing and redecorating, all inspired by the television stories I watched. Taking it a step further, I regularly redesigned our Egyptian childhood home, captivated by the potential of blending various cultural compositions, using props, furniture, and layouts from different cultures to create something entirely new. This art of molding and merging diverse elements into a unique cultural fusion was met with my mother’s approving smile, confirming my chosen path. Our Egyptian home became my initial and enduring laboratory, shaping the person I am today and the person I aspire to be in the future.

Now, I find inspiration in every corner, of the now. I take what I see and give it new life through the lens of filmmaking. Each step, from the early days to the present, finds its place in my artistry.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Just like every person has their own unique set of fingerprints, designers also possess distinctive qualities that set them apart. Every designer is a singular entity in their own right. Personally, I approach my craft with a sense of humility, understanding that I’m on par with any other designer out there. However, the moment I take on a project, I hold an unwavering belief that no one can execute it better than me. This conviction drives me to give it my all, pouring every ounce of effort into the task at hand.

In my approach, I carry with me the wisdom of a saying from Prophet Mohamed, who once stated, ‘Allah loves for you to perfect a deed when you perform it.’ This principle has always guided me since I was young, shaping my dedication to perfection in every endeavor. Even the tiniest error that only I might notice keeps me awake until it’s rectified. I’m compelled to rise and fix it, ensuring that I’ve conducted my research meticulously and accurately. Striving for excellence is my constant pursuit. I allow room for growth by learning from mistakes, and always seeking ways to improve. If there’s a new software or innovation, I ensure I’m among the first to embrace it, adding to my skill set.

My work is defined by a persistent commitment to infusing each project with a unique narrative essence. I possess a natural ability to translate stories into visual realms that deeply resonate with characters and audiences alike. My enthusiasm for venturing into unexplored territories and capturing the authentic human experience serves as the foundation of my craft. Moreover, my thirst for knowledge and eagerness to learn new things have become something of an addiction.

My journey to my current professional standing has been a thrilling adventure, filled with opportunities waiting to be seized. Starting my career in the Middle Eastern film industry at a young age was an exciting challenge, given the richness of cultural diversity and unique experiences it offered.

My dedication to my craft served as a constant source of inspiration, lighting up my path. Instead of waiting for role models, I carved my own way forward, embracing the power of creativity and pursuing higher education abroad. These steps proved instrumental in unlocking new horizons and allowing me to realize my full potential. As I ventured through this exciting journey, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge and experiences in the Middle East, which I deeply cherish. It’s a story of relentless determination, boundless creativity, and the pursuit of dreams coming true.

Through my journey, I’ve imbibed invaluable lessons. I’ve come to understand that persistence and unwavering determination are the true drivers of success.

Embracing uncertainty, confronting challenges head-on, and drawing inspiration from nature and history have been pivotal in shaping my growth. I learned music is life, and architecture is our way of understanding it.

My narrative embodies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering affection for storytelling. I aspire for the world to recognize me as a boundary-pusher, a norm challenger, and a nurturer of creativity. My tale exemplifies the power of unwavering commitment and the belief that dreams can be transformed into tangible reality through unbridled passion and dogged determination. I endeavor to inspire fellow artists to embrace their talents, navigate obstacles, and infuse their creations with authenticity. My journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavor, leaving a lasting imprint in the realm of storytelling, production design, and filmmaking.

I hold a prayer close to my heart: that the impact of my work will stretch far beyond my years, resonating through time. It’s my hope that my creations will ignite the same passion in fellow artists that I myself have drawn from the works of those who came before me. Throughout history, the enchanting narratives woven in films and novels have consistently nudged science to contemplate the unattainable. It’s my fervent desire that, by infusing my films and storytelling with passion and imagination, I can kindle a similar flame within the realm of science, guiding the quest for groundbreaking innovations.

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.

I’d start by taking them to a museum. For me, exploring a new city is truly enriched by a museum visit. Museums, like theaters and libraries, are gateways to liberation. They offer a unique journey into culture, history, and imagination.

Afterward, I’d make sure we catch a Broadway show. There’s always something magical about the theater—it’s where I truly feel alive and deeply inspired. I’d want my friend to experience this enchantment too.

Oscar Wilde once beautifully remarked, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” This sentiment captures the essence of why I cherish the theater, and I’d love to share this profound experience with my friend.

Guiding my friends through the heart of New York City’s rich history and tales, to truly understand the immigrant experience, I’d lead them through the living narrative of the past. Our journey would commence at the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration, where stories of lives woven with dreams and aspirations unfold. From there, we’d gaze upon the Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of hope and freedom.

But the immersion wouldn’t end there. I’d take them to the Tenement Museum, where the past comes alive within the walls of Hester Street. Walking those storied pathways, we’d step into the shoes of those who journeyed before us, learning about the trials and triumphs of everyday life.

In this journey, we’d traverse through time, understanding the essence of human aspirations, the spirit of perseverance, and the legacy of hope that has shaped the very fabric of New York City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to my dad and mom for all the nights and days we spent drawing together. For the years filled with songs and for every moment they supported my artistic journey. Their provision of new papers and colors served as encouragement, nudging me to unveil my talent to the world.

When I reflect on my younger years, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for their unwavering support. I extend my thanks to my mom, whose smile greeted every rearrangement of furniture and props in the house. That enduring smile remains a constant source of motivation, a reminder that my belief in my abilities is as strong as hers. My dad’s attentive ears to my childhood tales, and his curious questions sparked my imagination, these were the foundations of who I’ve become.

I offer my appreciation to my husband for listening to my morning stories birthed from my dreams, for being my very first audience, and for urging me to transcribe these narratives into film scripts. I wanna thank him for supporting me in every step and every sacrifice he made for me because he believes in me. My journey wouldn’t be the same without my support network. It’s a stroke of luck and gratitude that these individuals are my family.

My heartfelt thanks extend to my undergraduate professor and mentor, Salah Marea, the prodigious production designer behind Shadi Abdel Salam’s successful films. An artist whose inspiration has never waned. I remember a night in Ramadan, fasting, and Salah Marea, then battling cancer, shared a profound moment with me. It was my last encounter with him as a mentor. Amidst his reading, he cast his gaze upon me and spoke, “You will do great things in life.” The echoes of that sentence, the silence before and after, eternally resonate within me. May he rest in peace.

Gratitude flows towards Jon Michael Shink, who believed in my abilities and offered an opportunity to an international production designer with no prior collaboration. This chance to design a historical documentary, “Oversight,” yielded three regional Emmys. It marked my inaugural venture in the States, reaffirming my conviction during uncertain times.

Lastly, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to NYU and its exceptional team of dedicated staff and professors. Their unwavering support, coupled with the challenges they posed, constantly pushed me to strive for my best, ultimately shaping the person I have become today.

A special note of appreciation goes to Prof. Peter Newman, whose resolute support and genuine passion for filmmaking have left an indelible mark on me and my fellow students. His devotion to our growth has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.

My thanks also extend to Prof. Gail Segal for offering me fresh insights into the very core of filmmaking. Her teachings have served as a guiding beacon, helping me navigate the delicate balance between inspiration and creation.

Additionally, I am profoundly grateful to Prof. Stephen H. Carter for his invaluable mentorship over the past year and his generous support in the realm of Production Design. His guidance and kindness have been instrumental in my growth and development.

Lastly, I am deeply grateful for the chance to share my experiences with Voyage LA and for the opportunity to participate in this interview.

Website: www.monamekkawi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monamekkawi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-mekkawi-60147912b

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11703843/

Image Credits
Main Photo: Owise Abuzaid
1- Mona’s Emmy Awards contribution award.
2- Mona’s Design for “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington.” By: James Ijames
3- Mona’s Sketch for Ripley and The Cat from the Alien Movie. Director: Ridley Scott Sequel: Aliens Screenplay: Ridley Scott, Dan O’Bannon)
4- “The Great Gatsby” Sketch.
5 & 6 First Rough Sketches of The Nostromo Spaceship for the Movie Alien.
7- A Rough Sketch of The Alien Planet.
8- Rough Sketch of The Alien body inspired by Fungi and Bats.
9- a Rough Sketch of The Alien sticking to the face of a human being.
10- Mona’s Design being Selected to be the poster of the NYU TISCH Calendar of 2021.
11 & 12 & 13 Film Stills of the film “Heptapus” Director: Cooper Troxell. Production Design: Mona Mekkawi. Actors: Waris Ahluwalia, Simone Stadler, Robert Lee Leng. Producer: Dawn Han.
14- A Concept Sketch of The Great Gatsby
15 & 16 – Mona’s Sketches of Alien Stages.
17 & 18 & 19 Mona’s Design of the Middle Eastern Hunger Games. “Justice Building”
20- Mona’s Design of The Middle Eastern Hunger Games. ” The Capital”
21- Mona’s Design of The Middle Eastern Hunger Games. In ” The Colosseum” the Tributes are standing on a rotating flying stage and Fire plasma field underneath them.