Director's Works
My dream has always been to foster my voice as a Lebanese American filmmaker. With a personal history of mental illness, I'm compelled to tell stories based around mental health & generational trauma. I believe sharing my stories can pave a bright way forward for people suffering from trauma and mental health issues. After my father passed away, I started a life in Alaska where I inherited my father’s fishing company. My experience of living in Alaska has also inspired me to capture the majestic quality of the Alaskan landscape and culture. By creating a dreamlike experience with my work, I hope viewers can safely explore both the horrific and beautiful aspects of being human, while finding compassion for themselves along the way.
Shadow was created by a group of artists as a passion project. We believed in telling a fantastical story about addiction and family trauma. We were deeply inspired by the ghost stories of the 60's, as well the early silent films like Nosferatu, so we took a very classical approach to the filmmaking. We shot on black and white 35mm film, we built the set from scratch, and used practical effects to create a tactile world where you can sense the human touch. Ultimately, we wanted to create a transportive experience where you can feel both the love and fear of a family troubled by trauma.