FILM CHATS 3: Maissa Houri

Maissa Houri is an Arab-Canadian independent actor and filmmaker. Her award-winning series, Dirty Love, challenges biases by telling the story of a sexually-free Muslim woman living with gay roomate. Maissa’s short film, Inara, has also won her several awards.  

In this podcast, Maissa traces her creative journey and her lifelong love of acting. After college, it wasn’t long before Maissa realized the lack of non-stereotypical roles for Middle Eastern actors. Blazing her own trail, Maissa now produces her own content, writing her own roles.

Hosted by Samphe Ballamingie, emerging filmmaker and Carleton University graduate.

Presented by the Digi60 Filmmakers' Festival, with support from the Digital Arts Resource Centre

FILM CHATS 1: Filmmaker Amen Jafri

Amen Jafri is a documentary filmmaker, producer and personal brand consultant. A few years ago, she transitioned out of a career as a public servant into working in the film industry where she earned accolades as a documentary filmmaker. Her work has been shortlisted for the TVO Short Doc Contest and screened for CBC, TVO, the American Documentary Film Festival and more.

In this podcast, Amen Jafri shares her professional journey as a producer, from casting to applying to grants. Reflecting on personal experiences, Amen explains how vital it is to have representation in film and TV — both in front of and behind the camera.

Hosted by Samphe Ballamingie, emerging filmmaker and Carleton University graduate.

Presented by the Digi60 Filmmakers' Festival, with support from the Digital Arts Resource Centre