I am a director /producer/ editor/writer. I did a lot of TV documentaries with Al Jazeera Channel. I directed 3 short films; two of them are on my page herein.
I did a couple of TV programs on a small scale. I wrote my films, and I am working on writing a feature and an anthology series. I also used to write criticism and to film festivals in Egypt. I am a member since 2017, but I didn't pay enough attention to this powerful platform until I joined the writer's room. I attended twice, and I listened to several seminars; most of them are great. Looking forward to meeting new people and collaborate with other creative people.
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So thrilled to have you in here, and I’m glad that you understand the power of the Stage 32 platform! (And especially the writers room) Tell us all here more about the documentaries you did for Al Jazeera. Very interesting!
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Thanks, Amanda!
I did seven TV documentaries in South Africa. Most of them related to the Aphartide era. I did one about the Sharpeville Massacre, which marked the history of black resistance and international condemnation of South Africa's regime. Another one was about Wouter Basson, whose nickname is Dr. Death. He was in charge of the biological program to experiment with a new lethal weapon against black people and assassinate important black figures. He had a trial for 2 years and a half, and they dropped 69 charges against him. I tried to meet him, and he agreed to meet us, then apologized after the crew flew to Cape Town ( I am glad that I went to Cape Town. It is a great city to visit!)
The other four were about Music as a resistant tool during Aphartide ( we tried to meet Miriam Makeba, but she asked for a lot of money), Crime in South Africa, Land distribution, and Mines.
I also did four movies in Oman, and I did one in Egypt about the Microbus drivers.
By the way, you mentioned you have a polish name, and I had many polish guys who helped me during my position as artistic director for Cairo Film Critics' Week as part of the Cairo International Film Festival :) My Landlord also has a Polish Origin ..LOl Have a good night.
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The subject matter that you were dealing with sounds fascinating. It sounds like you learned a lot. Are you familiar with what continues to happen in the United States with black peoples, especially black men, being pulled over by the police and shit for various reasons? I wonder what similarities or differences you are aware of related to that subject matter. I belong to a racial justice group here in Pittsburgh, and we are trying to build awareness and ultimately, cause systemic change. I roils love to hear your thoughts.
Kendra
Yeah, I am aware of what is happening here in the states because I live here in New Jersey. I actually wanted to do a documentary about the Tulsa massacre, but I found it difficult to do it during the pandemic. I would like to hear more about your group; especially I was born in Pittsburgh!
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Wow! You were born in Pittsburgh? What are the odds? How bizarre. I apologize. I had no idea you were living in the US. Of course, it would be hard to shoot during the pandemic. Makes sense. Have you been vaccinated yet? I believe work will blossom even more once people get vaccinated.
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No worries. Unfortunately I got shingles before my vaccination appointment. Yeah, I am sure that work will blossom.
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Welcome, Ahmed! So wonderful to have you here with us.
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Thanks, Chaun! It seems you have vast experience staying in different parts of the world. I am sure you have interesting stories to share
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Ahmed, I lived in Kuwait, Iraq, and for a short time in Dubai, so I watched a lot of Al Jazeera regularly. I wonder if I've seen some of your work. Yes, I have many many stories, lol. It's so great to have you here with us.
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I have never been to Kuwait or Iraq, but I stayed in Dubai for a year to do the postproduction. It must be quite tense to be in Iraq. what is your favorite film that portrays the Iraqi war from your POV?:) It is great to have you too here with us.
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Ahmed, it was tense to be in Iraq. I got to leave the camps with private security detachments for remote desert weapons practice with specialized weapons and see some of southern and northern Iraq. I saw quite a bit of stuff and became overwhelmed with the conditions there, constant rifle and missile fire - having to wake up in the middle of the night at times and run to the bunkers. I redeployed as a specialty contractor under an U.S. Embassy project there. I didn't want to watch movies about the war over there upon my return to the U.S., but saw a couple that saddened me. I'd love to see a movie focusing more on the Iraqi perspective. I included some of their stories in a novel I wrote. There really are a lot of great people in the country. I met one young brave woman there who I helped, took under my wing when she sought asylum. It was beautiful to see her spread her wings and find her voice once in the U.S.