We recently connected with Sherief Elkatsha and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherief, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I studied film in college, but everything I’ve learned has been through working, making mistakes, and by trying to make my own films. When I moved to NYC in 1996, I spent 5 years learning different crafts in all sides of production, first as a PA, then working in art departments of various films, tv shows, music videos and fashion shoots. I knew I wanted to someday work on my own projects, but I knew I had a lot to learn. Filmmaking is a multi-faceted endeavor, involving many different people. From my years working, I would say the most essential skill I learned is how to collaborate. How to bring out the best in people while staying true to the project. And of course, discipline and hard work!

I’d like to think I am still acquiring skills, and continue to learn from my mistakes.

Looking back, there are times I wished I started making films earlier…but that was my journey. I needed something to shake me out of my freelance routine, and force me to question what I was doing with my life; that event for me was Sept. 11, 2001.

Sherief, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Sherief Elkatsha. I grew up between cultures, born in the USA to Egyptian immigrant parents We moved back to Cairo in 1980 (when I was 7) until I graduated high-school in 1991, then headed to US for university.

!n 1996 I moved to New York with a friend from college, and began my career.

My world changed on Sept. 11th – 2001. At the time I was working in fashion…and that morning when I heard the towers were on fire – I ran out to the Brooklyn Heights promenade, camera in hand…filming the history unfolding. Through the lens, I had distance…and a sense of purpose. I knew at that moment that, as an Egyptian and as American – nothing would ever be the same.

Without realizing it – I fell into documentary filmmaking. Documentaries were having a resurgence and I was inspired by what I saw and who I met. Cameras were becoming affordable, and it felt liberating and unrestricted.

No more endless loop of takes, or the hierarchy on a film set…
Life is happening, and with camera in hand – you capture what you can.
No do- overs or second takes.

I’m interested in humanity, and how we are more alike than different, which is a major theme in everything I do.

I believe humor is universal. In my work and in my life – humor has played a major role. Share a good laugh with someone – even if you don’t speak the same language – a bond is made. At our most basic level, we are all one.

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

My goal is to continue trying to find our universal stories in everyday life.
…and to try to make a living doing it!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I’ve often wished I had a steady job and a steady income. But that is not the path I took.

The hardest thing about being an independent freelance filmmaker, is often you only answer to yourself. You have to be your own cheerleader, motivator, deadline setter, employee, boss.

Because I film and edit my own films, a lot of time is spent in dark editing rooms alone. Seeing a project through from inception to completion is often a few years time…and late at night, that can be grating on the soul.

But with each films completion, after some time and distance, I pick up a camera and try again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sheriefelkatsha.com
• Instagram: sherief.elkatsha
• Facebook: Sherief Elkatsha
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheriefKatsha

Image Credits

Ahmed Dream
Laila Yasser