Sabine Kahwaji – Canada

 

Diafanís Magazine had the opportunity to interview Sabine Kahwaji, a multifaceted professional, who told us about her career as a film director, producer, editor and writer from her native Canada.

As a Lebanese descendant, Kahwaji highlighted her pride in her roots and her need to reflect them through storytelling, helping to be a channel of communication with groups that have no voice.

The interview was the following

 

• You are a multifaceted professional. When did you know you wanted to be a writer, a film director, producer and editor?

I knew since I was a kid I wanted to take part in a creative industry. I grew up watching so many music videos and movies that I had  always this fascination with how stories were brought to life. When I was fourteen I had the opportunity to dive into filmmaking and I knew then I wanted to keep learning about it and become a director. However, it wasn’t until five years ago that I took the initiative to make a professional career for myself and turn a passion into a full-time job.

• What were your first steps in your career? Which of these subjects came first?

I began my interest in film by writing screenplays. Initially, I planned to be a short film director and writer but after the success of my first short film, I wanted to explore other genres. So I began networking in the music industry and it quickly became a big passion of mine and that is the work I currently do, but I am hoping to jump back in screenwriting for shows or films again.

• What are you favourite topics?

I love narrative work, anything that incorporates a storyline, especially if it’s based on a true story. I find those genres tend to be more impactful and so I try to incorporate narratives or metaphors behind most of my projects regardless of the genre.

• In which project are you working? 

I am currently working on my first independent documentary set for release in 2022. It’s my biggest project and I have not done anything like it yet. I’m excited to see what happens and hopefully, this will shed light on a topic that hasn’t been spoken about enough.

• You are a descendant of Lebanon. Which are your perspective as a Lebanese woman and the place that the woman should be occupied in this society?

 As a Lebanese woman, I’m adamant about being an example to encourage other women to feel seen and valued for the work they do. Seeing someone who represents you in this industry is very important and we need more of that. For instance, when I saw Nadine Labaki nominated for the Oscars it was a huge inspiration for me. I hope that I can continue that for the next generation of Lebanese filmmakers as well as ensuring our culture remains prevalent in the industry.

• Which are your activities about the music?

I’ve always had a passion for music, I was involved in several music programs growing up, played multiple instruments, so music was very prevalent in my childhood. As I got older, I wanted to be involved in the music industry but I really didn’t know how. Once I really took my film career seriously I knew I finally had a skill I could use to be involved in the music industry. I’ve gotten to a point after years of artist promotions that I’m finally able to direct music videos, which has been my goal from the start. It is a field I’ve been really trying to be taken more seriously in. I produced my biggest music video back in December 2020, but I always enjoy outdoing myself so this summer I have a music video that is coming out that I truly believe will be one of those projects that could set a new standard for my work. We were a small crew so I had to take on several roles. It was a huge learning experience but overall my favourite music video to date and I keep counting down the days for the release!

• How you will continue your career? 

I hope my career continues to grow in a way that I’m always able to continue to improve on my work. I really want to work on television sets, and eventually do a movie, so I’m taking these step by step but I hope my career eventually leads me to that.

  Interviewed by Mag. Marisa Avogadro Thomé, writer and journalist, Mendoza, Argentina.

 

 

 

 

SABINE KAHWAJI

 

 

Sabine Kahwaji is a Lebanese director, editor, writer, and producer. Kahwaji began her professional career when she produced, directed, and edited her first independent film, «SEVENTEEN», which was screened and selected at the Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival, selected as a semi-finalist at LA Cinefest, and nominated at the DMOFF Fest and IndieboomFEST.

Her love for music and narrative work transitioned her into working as an artist concert videographer and editor all with the goal of becoming a music video director. Sabine’s creative ability led her to film, edit, and photograph content for labels and artists like 21 Entertainment, Sony Music Canada, Universal Music, Crowd Surf, Tiny Kingdom, Tyler Shaw, Kim Petras, Ryland James, Savannah Ré, The 1975, Alexander 23 among others.

Most recently, Kahwaji directed and produced the music video titled «Distance» for Juno Nominated artist IAMTHELIVING x Teon Gibbs, which aired on ETALK Canada and featured on the London daily post for its «movie like-feel.»

As a proud Lebanese woman with a passion for storytelling, Sabine strives to eradicate cultural stereotypes through her work, ensuring that marginalized groups have a voice. Further, she is dedicated to using her music and film expertise to amplify the female-identifying perspective on and off-screen.

Kahwaji is working on her first feature-length documentary set for release in 2022.

Work: www.sabinekahwaji.com

Seventeen short films: https://vimeo.com/221817073

Behind the scenes with Sabine Kahwaji: https://vimeo.com/514846170