Meet Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani | Filmmaker & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Soukaina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I don’t think I really had a choice in the matter. It’s funny because I always felt like I thrived in the arts classes but growing I always felt that I had to skew more towards these less creative career paths. And then when I was studying for exams for my biology or history classes, I realized I was using all these super creative ways to understand the subject matter. I was making these videos, writing these stories and even helping my friends study by performing the sequence of events or making songs that helped them retain and remember certain facts.

Once it was time for me to go college, I knew I couldn’t give up my love and passions to pursue a creative career. And luckily my parents and especially my sister, were always super supportive. I love storytelling. I love connecting with people, caring for me people and making people feel seen. It brings me so much joy. And I will continue to pursue that joy for as long as I can!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love logistics and figuring out to make things happen, but I also love creating and not just bringing a vision to life, but ameliorating the way it comes to life as well. I think the best thing you can do to breathe life into a creation is collaboration. Bringing in people with different perspectives who will challenge your perception and pushes creative vision.

I’m super proud of my upcoming short films To Fade Away by Camille Hamadé and co-produced with Kinder Labatt and BZRK by Chandler Clarke. They’re both a testament to the kind of collaboration and creation I mentioned.

I’m also super excited about all of the work I’ve been doing as a producer at Versus Creative Studio. I’m especially thankful to the kind of support and nurturing I receive from my mentors and colleagues. It was so awesome to see the OOH I produced in Times Square and the MTA for Audible 1984s Promo. I’m also particularly proud of all of the work I was able to produce with Mountain Dew for their Gaming, Outdoor, and Final Fantasy spot. It’s been such an amazing journey to work with my peers on these projects.

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?
I love great food and drinks, so I would of course take them to my favorite places for cocktails and drinks. From Che Li, to Shinji, to Cosme, to Rubi Rosa, to Indian Accent to Apotheke and the list goes on!

As for activities, I love me a good museum, maybe a fun night at the opera where we find ourselves invited to an get together by a lovely older couple! I’m trying to get back into riding too so I would take them for a cute little horse back ride at ranch in Riverdale!

Basically I’d combine some bright and rustic New York moments with some deliciously mysterious city evenings! But it really depends on who comes to visit!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I get asked this question, it always humbles me and makes me feel so grateful for all of the love and support I have in my life. I mean truly, where can I start.

My family. My mom and dad who have supported my eccentric endeavors and have trusted the decisions I have made with my life. Without their trust in me, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I mean they trusted an 18 year old your woman to live abroad in a country who’s language they don’t really speak. I love them for allowing me to have agency in my life decisions, and for never questioning me no matter what.

My sister. This QUEEN. She is the woman who has championed, protected and uplifted me in every way possible. She fought for me when I couldn’t, and even when the world was dark for both of us, gave me all of her light. I wouldn’t have a fraction of the strength, drive and courage that I have today without Safaa. Her support means the world to me. We are beyond blood sister, we are SOUL sisters.

My friends, my community. There are so many people in here that have helped usher me into the most joyful years of my life. John, my angel, you are the beautiful chaos that challenges me to face my fears and follow my dreams. Thomas, my sage and confidant I thank you for your ear and shoulder always. Anarlyn, my heart and sister. It is insane that we were born worlds apart and yet we found home in each other. Thank you for never making me ask and loving me as I am. Thank you for becoming the sister I never thought I needed. Thank you for joining me in my delusions and pockets of joy.

To so many others: Ghita, Esther, Yasmina, Zina, You have all become my sisters. There is absolutely no doubt that you all are family. Your love, kindness and support will always uplift me. MVPs through and through.

To the Versus Fam. I cannot begin to tell how grateful I am for you. I cannot being to thank you for your mentorship and indispensable community. Y’all have made me a better producer, a better filmmaker and have brought more joy into my life. Rob, you won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon!

To my Fordham and NYU mentors, without you, I wouldn’t have the confidence and knowledge to make my dreams come true.

Again, I’m sure there are so many people to thank. But make no mistake, I didn’t make this far in my career by myself. It took a village. And to that village, I can’t say it enough– I am so grateful to you.

Website: www.saelhassani.com

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

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

Other: https://www.weareversus.tv/

Image Credits
Photo of Soukaina sitting at desk at Versus Creative Studio for Lucidlink – Photo by Bryan Derballa