Meet Sager Al Nuaimi | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sager Al Nuaimi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sager, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from the UAE and grew up during the 90s, witnessing the incredible transformation of my country from desert villages to a world-class nation. Our leadership instilled in us the belief that nothing is impossible, which inspired me to pursue my dream of filmmaking in Los Angeles. My upbringing, steeped in oral storytelling and deep-rooted cultural beliefs in the supernatural, has profoundly influenced the kind of films I create. I’m drawn to stories that explore themes beyond the visible world, reflecting the mysterious and magical aspects of my culture.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a filmmaker whose work is defined by strong visuals and a unique blend of nostalgic, whimsical, and theatrical styles. I explore themes like theology, the unseen, and the shared human experience across different backgrounds. I’m most proud of my first short film, a folklore fantasy inspired by my Emirati culture, which earned international recognition and gave me the confidence to keep creating.

My journey began in Dubai, where I earned my undergraduate degree in media. I then moved to Los Angeles to specialize in filmmaking, gaining further skills at ArtCenter College of Design. It wasn’t always easy—choosing filmmaking was unconventional in my culture, and adapting to the industry here in LA was challenging at first. However, I’ve learned that success lies in collaboration with the right people who are passionate about a project, rather than trying to do everything alone.

Through my films, I want to communicate that, while our differences make us unique, we share far more in common as humans. Telling stories helps us understand each other better, and that’s a message I want my work to convey to the world.

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?
If my best friend were visiting LA for a week, I’d want to give them a mix of art, nature, and great food. We’d start by visiting The Getty Museum, which has amazing art, beautiful outdoor spaces, and free entry. Since I’m into filmmaking, a visit to the Academy Museum would be essential to experience LA’s unique connection to the film industry. For nature and architecture, we’d explore Huntington Gardens, with its stunning Chinese and Japanese gardens, and also stop by The Getty Villa for some more history and art.

For food, I’d take them to my favorite spots: breakfast at Republique, lunch with pizza and pasta at Jon & Vinny’s, and sushi at Santo Silver Lake. For coffee, we’d visit Stereoscope, my go-to for specialty coffee. And if they enjoy stand-up comedy, we’d definitely spend an evening at The Comedy Store.

If they’re craving some beach time, I’d take them on a day trip to Catalina Island for a beautiful getaway or Laguna Beach for a more laid-back coastal vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a great deal of my filmmaking journey to the unwavering support of my parents. Directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro have also been huge inspirations, showing me that the genre I’m passionate about has a place and an audience. Additionally, mentors like Mathew Rolston and Roxy Shih from my time at ArtCenter were instrumental in guiding and shaping me as a filmmaker.

Website: https://sageralnuaimi.com

Instagram: sageralnuaimi

Linkedin: Sager Al Nuaimi

Image Credits
Valentina Berti
Qu Zheng