Meet Nourah Al Hasawi | Film Producer & Director
We had the good fortune of connecting with Nourah Al Hasawi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nourah, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has played a pivotal role in shaping my life and career, particularly when I decided to pursue filmmaking as a career path. Growing up in Kuwait, where traditional career paths such as medicine, law, and politics were more prevalent, I felt compelled to follow my passion for the arts and filmmaking.
Despite the doubts and concerns of those around me, I took a leap of faith and decided to attend film school at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles for my undergraduate studies. This decision was met with skepticism from friends and some family members who questioned the potential for success in a film career, especially coming from a place where such opportunities were scarce.
However, I trusted my instincts and embraced the risk, determined to carve out a path for myself in the entertainment industry. Fast forward to now, I am proud to say that I hold a BFA in Filmmaking and an MFA in TV and Film Producing, both from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. I have received numerous awards from various film festivals for the projects I have directed and produced. I am currently interning at Pantheon Entertainment as a production development intern. I am in the process of developing my own project to direct and produce, as well as freelancing as a producer on other productions.
This journey has taught me the value of taking risks and following my passion, even when the odds seemed stacked against me. By staying true to my artistic vision and pushing beyond the expectations of others, I have been able to achieve success and fulfillment in a field that truly speaks to my creative spirit.
Through my experience, I have learned that taking risks can lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth. Embracing the unknown and pursuing my dreams wholeheartedly has been a rewarding journey that has shaped me into the filmmaker and storyteller I am today.
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.
My art is deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition, with a focus on creating films that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective, shaped by my upbringing in Kuwait and my exposure to diverse cultures and ideas during my studies and work in Los Angeles. I am most proud of my ability to convey complex themes through visual storytelling and my commitment to bringing untold stories to the screen.
One of the projects that excites me the most is the development of my own film, which allows me to express my vision without compromise. This endeavor represents not only my growth as a filmmaker but also my determination to contribute original narratives to the film industry.
Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. I faced skepticism from peers and family, the pressure to conform to traditional career paths, and the challenge of establishing myself in a competitive industry far from home. To overcome these challenges, I relied on my passion, resilience, and the willingness to take calculated risks. Attending the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles was a significant leap that provided me with the skills and network necessary to navigate the entertainment industry.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of perseverance, the value of networking, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. Staying abreast of industry trends and being open to feedback have been crucial to my development as a filmmaker.
I want the world to know that my brand and story are about breaking barriers and defying expectations. It’s about the relentless pursuit of one’s passion against all odds and the belief that storytelling has the power to connect us across different cultures and experiences. My journey is a testament to the idea that with hard work and unwavering dedication, it is possible to forge your own path and make a significant impact in the world of film.
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.
For a week-long trip in Los Angeles to show your best friend the best time ever, you can start by securing tickets to live studio audience shows and attending premiere screenings. Enjoy hiking in Griffith Park, exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visiting iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and Getty Center.
Indulge in luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and explore the upscale boutiques. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, visit the Arts District in Downtown LA, and attend a live sports event at venues like the Staples Center.
Experience the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, take day trips to Disneyland or nearby attractions, and discover the vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like Venice Beach. Relax at beautiful beaches and attend live music concerts at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl.
Immerse yourselves in the diverse entertainment, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and shopping options that Los Angeles has to offer for an unforgettable week of excitement and adventure with your best friend.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to my parents for their unwavering support throughout my journey into the world of filmmaking. Despite their initial reservations, they stood by my side as I pursued my dreams, even when it meant studying and working far away in Los Angeles. Their belief in my happiness above all else has been a constant source of strength. I am especially grateful to my mother for defending my decision to pursue a career in filmmaking, which was considered unconventional in the context of my upbringing in Kuwait. I also want to recognize my personal trainer Sia, who has been instrumental in shaping me into a better person both mentally and physically. His guidance has helped me adopt a positive attitude and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Without his support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noorah_alhasawi?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/nourah-al-hasawi-b1b54214b
Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/nourah
Image Credits
Nourah
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