From finance and psychology to filmmaking: An AUS student film wins international acclaim

With no prior experience in filmmaking or cinematography, a student team representing majors in finance, engineering and psychology from American University of Sharjah (AUS) earned acclaim for a student film they produced as part of an introductory film course offered by the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD).

The film Naseeb (Kismet) received a Best Super Short Film nomination at the Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF), an honorable mention at the Athens Monthly Art Festival, and an entry into the Lift-Off Global Network. The film tells the story of Nizar, a young aspiring photographer, who stumbles upon an opportunity to pursue his dream of studying art in New York. As he comes closer to achieving his dream, he realizes that destiny has other plans for him.

Directed by finance major Omar Ibrahim, the film was shot using an iPhone, starring engineering student Mohammed Desouki and produced by psychology major Sara Elhoussaini, who worked also on production design, and finance student Razan Aylouche, who also worked on the film’s cinematography.

“It was a surreal moment when we received our first selection at a film festival. I felt that my ideas and feelings were validated. It was nice to see our work being recognized by ‘the industry’ even if it is not at the highest level. So far, we’ve had three selections and we are still waiting on replies from another 25 festivals.. What I’ve learned from this experience is that people will relate differently to art, and that not everyone will be impacted the same way. This does not mean that the work is less significant. In fact, if you have been able to impact just one person in the world, then you have succeeded,” said Ibrahim.

It all started when the students enrolled in FLM 100 The Art of Film, an introductory course in film theory with a focus on the art of storytelling and expressing captivating narratives. Originally offered as part of CAAD’s Minor in Film, the course is open to all AUS students, irrespective of their majors. It goes beyond the art of filmmaking, teaching students how to present their ideas and apply their storytelling skills in the majors and career fields of their choice. Students have the option at the end of the course to produce their own movie. 

The American liberal arts education approach that AUS follows offers students from all majors the opportunity to broaden their horizons, creating critical thinkers and innovators who are positioned for success in any field they choose to enter. With a broad general education program and wide variety of minor programs, AUS allows students to take courses from across the university, allowing students to reflect on a diverse and increasingly interdependent world and their place within it.

“Throughout the first few years of university, I began to develop a liking for the arts in all its forms. Towards the end of my third year, I found myself swaying towards films, and I was very interested and fascinated by all that went into making them. I had heard from some of my friends that there is an introductory film course that is fun, easy and allows you to make your own movie at the end of it. So, I decided to take the course to try and explore the fascinating world of film,” said Ibrahim.

Taking the course and working on the film taught Ibrahim new skills, particularly working within a team, which is something he shied away from in the past. 

“With good communication with your team, you can achieve results greater than what you would on your own. Also, when it comes to a good movie, it isn’t just about the director, cinematographer or the actors, but also the focus puller, the assistants, the makeup artists and all the people who play a ‘small’ role in the grand scheme of things. I learned that had it not been for every person who played their part in the creation of this movie, it would have lost some of its magic, and I apply this exact logic to everything, not just movies.”

Ibrahim encouraged AUS students to consider enrolling in the introductory film course. “It is a fun experience even if you are not interested in the arts. AUS’ selling point for most students who study here is the caliber of its professors and the fields they can explore during their education. The professors I worked with helped me understand how to think about the world and about myself. Without this valuable experience, I would not be where I am today. I am certainly planning to continue in the filmmaking field and hopefully be able to tell stories about me and where I grew up in a new way,” he said.

Ibrahim also stressed the importance of promoting art in the Arab world. He argued that while there is a strong media industry in the region, there is a lot that still needs to be done for the arts. He emphasized encouraging youth to find their own voice, highlighting the role of schools in introducing students to art and the great artists from this part of the world. 

“This is where AUS has done well and I would be remiss not to thank Dr. Mohammed Mamdouh Assistant Professor in Film and Multimedia Design, who guided me and gave me the confidence to project my voice. Also, if it was not for my teammates, this film would have not seen the light. They helped me overcome many of the challenges I faced in the making of this movie,” he said.

With the unprecedented evolution of the film industry due to technological advancements, new media platforms and more diverse audiences, CAAD offers students an opportunity to gain theoretical, analytical and practical knowledge of the world of film and film making through a Minor in Film. Open to students from all majors, this minor opens up worlds of creativity for students through its various offerings, including virtual reality and immersive filmmaking, while complementing their studies in their major discipline.

"Our film minor equips students with filmmaking skills that can be applied across industries, including advertising, marketing, public relations and digital media. From the art of cinematography, where students master the interplay of light and composition, to the intricacies of film editing, where they develop a keen sense of timing and narrative flow, our courses foster creativity and craftsmanship. Additionally, students gain hands-on experience in production management, honing their organizational and teamwork skills. Beyond the technical aspects, the film minor cultivates critical abilities such as storytelling, empathy and visual literacy. As visual storytelling becomes increasingly essential in today's digital age, our students graduate with a competitive edge, armed with the ability to captivate audiences, convey powerful messages and influence change."

For more information about CAAD and its Minor in Film, visit www.aus.edu/caad/department-of-art-and-design/minor-in-film.