We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jana Haraty. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jana below.

Jana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

As an actress

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I come from a small village in Bekaa, Lebanon, and my journey into acting started unexpectedly when I joined a kids’ acting class. The magical feeling of performing in front of children became my life’s calling, and from that day forward, I knew I wanted to live and breathe films, theater, and art. Growing up, my world revolved around movies, and I even learned English by watching them and reading translations. My dream was to speak perfect English and be on screen or stage one day.

Convincing my family, who had little connection to the arts, especially acting, wasn’t easy. Despite being the family entertainer, getting their approval for my passion took some serious effort. I briefly considered giving up on my dreams, but the emptiness I felt without them made me fight harder. After a compromise with my parents, I pursued filmmaking with a minor in performance art, gaining valuable insights behind the scenes.

Dreaming of acting in the United States seemed impossible from Lebanon due to economic constraints and the country’s situation. The turning point came with the Beirut explosion, pushing me to seek opportunities elsewhere. Fortunately, a scholarship paved my way to New York, where I spent three transformative years living my dream of training as an actress. It was there that I discovered the importance of Improv, breaking down walls and embracing vulnerability.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is fueled by a mission to entertain and connect with people through my art and spread my Lebanese also Egyptian roots to New York and further. My goal is to touch hearts, make people laugh, and foster a connection with the world. Be a comforting form of entertainment to audiences as i have found comfort at my hardest moments in characters, films and plays. Despite the challenges and the current state of the world, I remain steadfast in pushing forward, eager to represent where i come from. I’ve teamed up with like-minded artists to start Knefeproductions, our very own production company. It’s not just a company; it’s a family of passionate creators aiming to represent Lebanese and other Arabic artists and bring our vibrant community together making content in many forms, to watch and inspire. Through our productions, we’re not just making people laugh; we’re also fostering a sense of pride in our heritage and contributing to the growth of our artistic community. This is more than a mission; it’s a heartwarming journey that I’m thrilled to be a part of!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly uplift actors and artists in the industry, society can start by integrating arts education that emphasizes diverse storytelling in schools. Supporting local film festivals and indie productions that contributes to a vibrant creative community, and financially and non financially support them through grants and affordable resources for emerging talents and simply being an audience member experiencing their work.

Also fostering diversity and inclusion in the film industry is vital. Coming from a minor group in the industry, embracing voices from all backgrounds is so important to storytelling and ensures a representative cinematic landscape. Supporting these initiatives promotes diversity both on and off-screen helps break down barriers and showcase a whole new world that audiences didn’t know existed.

And let’s debunk the myths surrounding film careers. Every actor and director brings a unique gift to the table, enriching the storytelling experience. Recognizing and celebrating these diverse talents paves the way for a culture that not only values but uplifts creative pursuits. Simply being more open minded about content we engage with and explore new art even if it is foreign to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: janaharaty.com
• Instagram: JanaHaraty
• Linkedin: Janaharaty

Image Credits
Kareem Jrab. Sadie Bones