Interview with storyteller Moath Alsalem

Welcome Moath we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.

Moath Alsalem is the Kuwaiti writer, director and editor of ‘‘My Content’’ short film.

First off, Who is Moath Alsalem and how did the passion for filmmaking begin?

I'm Moath Alsalem, a 27 years old Kuwaiti filmmaker and creative storyteller. My passion for filmmaking ignited early in my life, leading me to create my first two independent short films at the age of 15. I hold a BA in Visual Communication and Media from Gulf University for Science and Technology and have further refined my skills through specialized training in screenwriting and directing at the MetFilm School’s ‘"Story to Screen” course in London.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse variety of projects, from short films and commercials to TV shows. This has taken me to various countries, including Kuwait, the UK, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and more.

My commitment to the craft has been reinforced by gaining hands-on experience in different roles on various sets alongside talented artists.My goal is to craft meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with audiences globally. Beyond personal success, I aspire to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the cinema industry on an international scale.

Can you tell us about your previous work ?
I began my filmmaking journey in middle school, directing “The Wallet” in 2011, followed by “Ramadan These Days” in high school in 2013 and “Feihim Khair’” in 2014.As my love for the film industry grew, I wanted to learn more and experience everything possible to enhance my skills.I took the art of filmmaking seriously, working on various sets and projects in different roles. I also directed many TV Commercials. Then, I returned to the world of filmmaking with three projects. The first was the short film I shot in London 2020 “Blindfolded” , where I took on the roles of writing, directing, and editing. Next was the experimental film “No Film” directed by me, released on Instagram in late 2020. Recently, I worked on the short film "My Content," as co-producer, writer, director and editor.

CONVERSATION ABOUT: MY CONTENT

The film explores the struggles of finding the perfect film idea. Can you share a personal anecdote or experience from your own creative journey that influenced this aspect of the story?

The idea for "My Content" came about when I was struggling to write a perfect script. I wanted something meaningful, short, and affordable, but it just wasn't coming together. Every attempt ended up either too long or too expensive. Once I decided to take a break and “zoom” out, I realized that the struggle itself was the story—the "Content" I needed to share.Stepping back, I saw that my own difficulty in making things perfect was the heart of the film’s message. I wanted to tell creators out there, "Don't spend forever trying to be perfect; just go ahead and create.” So, the film became a way to share my own journey, my content, urging everyone to embrace imperfections and bring their ideas to life without stressing about being flawless

You've worked on projects in various countries. How has your exposure to different cultures and storytelling styles influenced your approach to filmmaking, particularly in a film that delves into the universal theme of creativity?

Working on projects in different countries has really shaped how I make films. Each place has its own way of telling stories and a unique style, and being part of that has made me see things in a new perspective.My experience taught me that some ideas are universal, but every culture has its special touch. This mix of perspectives has become a big part of how I tell stories. Especially in a film about creativity that speaks to everyone, these different influences add something special.Through all of this, I've always wanted to make sure my Kuwaiti culture is part of the story.It’s important to me that even as we talk about big themes, my background and where I come from are integrated into the film. So, when you watch it, you’re not just seeing a universal story; you’re also getting a glimpse of Kuwaiti culture, and that's something I’m proud to share with the world.

What inspired you to create the film "My Content"? Were there specific experiences or challenges in your own creative process that motivated the storyline of the film?

The idea for "My Content" came from my struggle to write a perfect script, but it also represents a broader ambition in my creative journey. I've always had a strong interest in various film genres like horror, action, and romance. This film concept provided a unique opportunity for me to explore these different genres, showing my ability in directing and editing across different themes. "My Content" became a canvas for me to try new things and express my skills in understanding the details of storytelling in various genres. Through this exploration, I aim to not only share an interesting story about the creative process but also to demonstrate my ability to bring a fresh perspective to different cinematic styles.

As the editor of "My Content," were there moments during the editing phase where you discovered new narrative possibilities or reshaped the story in unexpected ways?

Wearing multiple hats as the writer director, co-producer, and editor of "My Content" provided a unique creative freedom during the editing process. This allowed me to explore and experiment freely, stumbling upon unexpected narrative possibilities that enriched the story. The interconnected roles enabled a seamless collaboration between the initial vision and the final edit. There were moments in the editing room where I discovered nuances in the footage that sparked fresh ideas, leading to subtle but impactful changes in the narrative flow. Having full control over the editing process allowed me to finely tune the story, ensuring that the final product not only met the initial creative vision but also evolved into a more refined and compelling piece. This flexibility in the editing room became an invaluable tool in shaping "My Content" into a film that captures the essence of the creative journey while allowing for spontaneous and authentic storytelling moments.

What elements in "My Content" do you think will resonate most with audiences, and why?

I believe the main message of "My Content" will really connect with audiences because most creators can relate to the struggle of chasing perfection in their work. We all want our creations to be perfect, and the movie speaks to that experience. Additionally, the film offers a unique visual experience, especially in scenes where the setting changes or transforms. These moments are not only enjoyable but memorable. In the end, I think "My Content" strikes a balance between being entertaining and delivering a meaningful message, and I hope audiences find both elements engaging and relatable.

Every film has its unique challenges. Can you share any unexpected hurdles or difficulties you faced during the production of "My Content" and how you overcame them?

Making "My Content" had its share of challenges. One big hurdle was sticking to a tight budget. We had to get creative in finding affordable solutions, like using available locations and relying on a smaller crew.Another challenge was the weather. Sometimes it didn't cooperate, and we had to adjust our shooting schedule. This meant staying flexible and being ready to adapt on the spot.Lastly, balancing multiple roles as the director, co-producer, and editor was demanding. To overcome this, I had to manage my time efficiently and rely on a supportive team. It was about teamwork and finding solutions together.

Reflecting on your filmmaking journey since your early short films at age 15, can you identify a specific turning point or lesson that significantly shaped your approach to storytelling, particularly in the context of "My Content"?

As I look back on my filmmaking journey from those early short films to "My Content," a crucial lesson stands out. The turning point was realizing that storytelling isn't just about perfection; it's about authenticity and connection.In my early days, I focused a lot on making everything perfect. However, with time, I learned that the real magic lies in embracing imperfections and capturing genuine moments. This lesson profoundly influenced how I approached "My Content." Instead of chasing an idealized version, I aimed to convey the authentic struggles and joys of the creative process.The key takeaway is that stories connect when they come from a real place. "My Content" became a way to share this lesson, depicting the journey's highs and lows authentically. It's a reminder that the heart of storytelling is in the genuine experiences we convey, and that, more than perfection, is what resonates with audiences.

That was the interview with our beloved creator Moath Nawaf Alsalem. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work.

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