We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sabine Kahwaji . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sabine below.
Sabine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Filmmaking has been my passion since I was 13 years old, but it wasn’t until I released my first indie short at 19 that I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally. At that point, I had already been rejected from film school, which left me unsure about the viability of filmmaking as a career path. However, the positive feedback and impact my short film had on people inspired me to work even harder and dedicate countless hours to honing my craft. It hasn’t been easy, and at times I find it challenging to be taken seriously. Nevertheless, I continue to set goals and work towards them, and things tend to work out in one way or another. Through this journey, I learned the importance of networking and staying focused on my goals, which ultimately enabled me to turn my passion into a full-time career.
Sabine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a director and writer with a passion for storytelling. I’ve been in the industry for seven years now, primarily working in the music industry and part-time in the film industry, but I’m now switching my focus to narrative content creation. Although I have experience directing and editing music videos, I want people to know that I’m capable of so much more. Writing has been a long-time career goal of mine, and I have a plethora of important stories to tell.
My primary goal is to take ideas and bring them to life through my unique storytelling approach. I believe that my experience in both the music and film industries has provided me with a unique perspective that sets me apart. I’m passionate about creating content that resonates with people and has a lasting impact.
As a filmmaker, I’m most proud of how far I’ve come given that I started with no connections, mentors, or backing from a company. I’m truly independent and have worked hard to develop my skills and make a name for myself. I provide a variety of services, including directing, writing, and editing, and my focus is on creating meaningful and impactful content that connects with audiences
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a personal mission that grew out of my own struggles and challenges. Through my own experiences, I realized that there are many stories that are not often shared publicly, and that these stories can have a powerful impact on others who may be going through similar experiences.
As a result, I have made it my mission to use my platform as a director and writer to tell these stories and provide a voice for those who may not have one. I believe that by sharing our struggles and challenges, we can connect with others and create a sense of community and understanding.
In addition to sharing these personal stories, I am also passionate about using storytelling to raise awareness for important causes, such as epilepsy and MS, as well as the first and second-generation immigrant experience.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I experienced a significant pivot in my career early this year that caught me off guard. Without going into detail, a major obstacle suddenly arose after I had invested a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication.
That experience pushed me to re-assess my career and realize my value and worth at a whole new level. That event taught me the importance of surrounding myself with supportive and nurturing teams in this industry. When it comes to your career, it’s essential to partner with people who are dedicated to your growth as a creative.
There’s so much more to this story but all I will say for now is never allow anyone to silence your voice or prevent you from speaking your truth. As a woman in the film industry, I’ve faced challenges, but opportunities like this give us a platform to showcase our abilities and voices.
It’s vital for women to recognize their value in this industry, stand up for themselves, and collaborate with teams that genuinely practice what they preach. Together, we can create a culture of inclusivity and equality in the music and film industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sabinekahwaji.com
- Instagram: @sabinekfilm
Image Credits
@melcapturesphotos @Brandynnleigh