Ep 269: Zayn Alexandre: Reclaiming the Arab Narrative — From Beirut to New York

Episode Summary Lebanese-American filmmaker Zayn Alexandre joins us to discuss his journey from a small town outside Beirut to the heart of New York’s independent film scene. Known for his award-winning films Abroad and Manara, Alexandre shares how psychology, identity, and diaspora shape his storytelling. From the Venice Film Festival to the TIFF Filmmaker Lab, Zayn has carved a space for authentic Middle Eastern voices in global cinema. In this conversation, he opens up about cultural identity, representation, and the responsibility of Arab artists to tell stories that challenge stereotypes while embracing universal human truths.In this deeply personal and cinematic episode, Zayn Alexandre—a Lebanese-American film director, writer, and actor based in New York City—reflects on his artistic journey and the transformative power of storytelling.His voice reminds us that film is not only art — it’s empathy in motion.🏆 Awards & Recognitions MentionedVenice Film Festival – Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days)Khayrallah Art Prize for Lebanese Diaspora ArtSilver Hypatia Award – Alexandria Short Film FestivalAhmed Khedr Award – ÉCU European Independent Film FestivalLaguna Sud Award – ItalyTIFF Filmmaker Lab ‘21Arab America’s 40 Under 40https://www.zaynalexandre.com/aboutUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby talks with Victoria Duncan, a filmmaker and Senior Creative Video Producer at Bloomberg Media Studios, about building a career that bridges art, analytics, and authenticity.Victoria shares how she transitioned from post-production and film school at NYU Tisch to producing global branded campaigns at Bloomberg. She opens up about her creative process, directing style, and the balance between data-driven storytelling and emotional resonance in branded content.🎬 Topics Covered:Victoria’s journey from North Carolina to New York and BloombergThe making of I Am Enough and its Lincoln Center adaptationHow to balance creativity and client goals in branded storytellingBuilding collaborative systems at Bloomberg Media StudiosMentorship, judging film festivals, and empowering women in filmA look at Victoria’s upcoming short film Exit SignThis conversation is a must-listen for filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers interested in the intersection of film, branding, and innovation at one of the world’s leading media companies.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

Show Notes In this episode, I sit down with Mark Watters to talk about a life lived in music: from Disney, Pixar, and Olympic scores, to his role today at Eastman School of Music, where he oversees the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media. We get deep into the Eastman Film & Media Festival—how it started, what it’s become, and why Rochester, NY is fast becoming a home for composer communities and cinematic sound.Mark reveals:His early obsession with film music (yes, Star Wars fourteen times just for the score)How “The Art & Craft of Music for Animation” ended up as a session at Soundtrax, hosted by him. Soundtrax Film Music Fest+1Why the Eastman Festival is more than panels and concerts—it’s an immersive space for composers to test ideasHis thoughts on legacy, mentorship, and how teachers and students exchange influenceThe way he listens now—and how that listening echoes what first drew me into musicWe also weave in my own origin story: discovering Mo’ Better Blues via BBC Two, being changed by Terence Blanchard’s trumpet, and inviting back Cynda Williams (as Clarke Bentancourt, and on “Harlem Blues”) because she embodies that space between story and song.As part of this musical conversation, I reference how The South Bank Show elevated composers through storytelling, and I end with a poetic note on Rochester—where winter winds and Eastman echoes make composition both memory and promise.Soundtrax Highlights to MentionFrom the Soundtrax Film Music Festival (October 16–18, 2025, at Eastman / Rochester) schedule: Soundtrax Film Music Fest“The Art & Craft of Music for Animation” — hosted by Mark Watters in Kilbourn HallFilm Scores Live! — Terence Blanchard with E-Collective & Gateways Festival Orchestra in Kodak HallJohn Williams Reimagined — concert of Williams’ themes rearranged for flute, cello, piano University of Rochester Calendar+1Interstellar in Concert — live performance of the Zimmer/Nolan score in Rochester’s Third Presbyterian Church visitrochester.com+1W: Soundtrax Film Music FestivalUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

📒 SHOW NOTESIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, Damien sits down with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist, consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered.Bryan’s career is a masterclass in curiosity-driven storytelling — one that filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives will find both inspiring and familiar.🎬 What’s inside this episode:A story worth filming: How Bryan’s 2,000-mile walk across America sparked his lifelong obsession with taste, survival, and the science of food.The art of structured storytelling: Why Bryan’s book 150 Food Science Questions Answered reads like a collection of perfectly crafted short films — each one with a setup, conflict, and resolution.From science to screen: Bryan’s collaboration with Emmy Award-winning filmmakers on The Food Matrix, exploring the philosophy and science of flavor.Bridging industries: How food science, media, and film all share a core principle — making complex ideas clear, engaging, and human.Big takeaways: Lessons from food science that resonate with filmmaking — clarity, curiosity, pacing, and respecting your audience’s attention.The central question: The deceptively simple obsession that drives all of Bryan’s work: What makes food taste good?📚 Along the way, we’ll spotlight some of the book’s most fascinating questions:Should you put hot food straight into the fridge?Is raw milk really safe to drink?Do soy and fish sauce need refrigeration once opened?Do canned and frozen fruits and vegetables actually lose nutrients?For filmmakers and creatives, this episode is a reminder that the best stories don’t always come from Hollywood. Sometimes, they come from a lab, a kitchen, or even a long walk across America.W: https://www.mendocinofoodconsulting.com/bryanquocleW: 150 Food Science Questions Answered: Cook Smarter, Cook BetterW: https://www.proceragin.comW: https://www.statesmenmarinades.comUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

🎙️ Episode IntroWhat happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and the often-overlooked everyday struggles that bind us together.From the personal turning point that inspired her company, to her evolving voice as a creator in the film and TV world, Nicole shares the realities of building a career that is both creatively fulfilling and socially resonant.📒 Show NotesIn this episode, you’ll hear about:🎬 The beginnings of Pine Grove ProductionsNicole opens up about how a quarter-life crisis led her to start a company dedicated to telling heartfelt, comedic stories about the human condition.💡 Why humor matters in heavy conversationsHow laughter can be a tool for connection when exploring subjects like aging, family caregiving, and identity.🛠️ The process behind the craftNicole shares her writing and producing approach — blending lived experience with creative storytelling to make work that feels both authentic and entertaining.🚀 Challenges and opportunities for emerging filmmakersWhat it takes to stand out in the crowded film and TV landscape, and how she’s navigating an evolving industry as a fresh voice.❤️ Life lessons from comedyWhy Nicole believes comedy is more than entertainment — it’s a way to confront fear, embrace imperfection, and build empathy.W: https://www.nicolemagerko.comUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

📝 Show NotesIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, we sit down with filmmaker, media strategist, and founder of The Video Mentor, Rene Estes. With a career that spans STEM research, entrepreneurship, and film, Rene brings a bold, emotionally intelligent lens to the power of storytelling.We dive into:The emotional impact of digital narratives and ethical storytelling.How media shapes cultural beliefs around aging, beauty, and resilience.Rene’s journey creating The Video Mentor, a platform empowering creators to produce cinematic content on their own.Lessons on confidence, belonging, and overcoming challenges as a woman in media.Why resilience—both emotional and financial—is critical for creators.How storytelling can become a tool for truth, influence, and hope in an era of misinformation.Rene’s perspective challenges us to go deeper, avoid surface-level clickbait, and embrace media that sparks human connection, innovation, and change.Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

Episode Summary Recording from the spare room, Damien reflects on Robert Redford’s passing and maps how Redford’s career choices—as star, director, producer, and institution-builder—reshaped the conditions for independent filmmaking. From championing adult, character-driven stories to proving quiet films can win big, this episode translates Redford’s moves into practical takeaways you can use on your next shoot.Key Takeaways:A bankable star choosing adult, idea-forward dramas expands mainstream appetite for intimate stories.Ordinary People validated quiet, precise filmmaking at the highest level—proof that small can be prestigious.Redford’s producing/directing showed that authorship is a business plan: attach taste and protect tone.All Is Lost licensed formal minimalism—audiences will follow honesty and behavior.The ethos behind Sundance—artist-first, risk-tolerant, community-powered—grew directly from his career instincts.Pull Quotes (for socials/show notes):“Curation is career—Redford proved that picking brave scripts changes the weather for everyone.”“You can stabilize a shot; you can’t fake a revelation.”“Small isn’t a limitation—it’s a design principle.”Recommended Watchlist (for context):Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)All the President’s Men (1976)Ordinary People (1980) — dir. Robert RedfordQuiz Show (1994) — dir. Robert RedfordAll Is Lost (2013)

Episode SummaryMost of the world knows Alexandra Paul as one of the stars of Baywatch, where she became a household name on one of the most-watched TV shows in history. But Alexandra’s story runs far deeper than the beaches of Malibu.In this inspiring conversation with host Damien Swaby, Alexandra opens up about how she fell into acting at just 18, the role of storytelling in her life, and what it really took to thrive in the competitive world of Hollywood. She shares candid reflections on the ups and downs of fame, her journey into activism, and why she continues to reinvent herself through podcasting and personal growth.Whether you’re chasing a creative dream, building resilience in your career, or seeking to align your work with your values, Alexandra’s wisdom will resonate.Why Listen?Hear the untold story of how Alexandra went from shy high-school drama student to international Baywatch star.Learn how storytelling can become a tool for both self-expression and connection.Discover the challenges and lessons of sustaining a career in Hollywood while staying true to your values.Be inspired by Alexandra’s activism and her commitment to living authentically.Memorable Quotes“What really got me interested in acting was the fact that I could express myself and be different people — not just the good girl I thought I had to be.”“Resilience isn’t about never failing. It’s about showing up again and again, no matter what.”“When your work aligns with your values, you find a fulfillment that success alone can’t give you.”Episode Highlights & Timeline00:02:00 – Early years: Growing up in a non-artistic family, finding her own creative spark.00:06:30 – First steps into acting: From modeling at 16 to falling in love with performance at 18.00:15:00 – Hollywood lessons: What it takes to survive and thrive in the industry.00:22:00 – Baywatch fame: The highs and challenges of starring on a global hit series.00:35:00 – Reinvention: How Alexandra transitioned into podcasting and other creative pursuits.00:45:00 – Activism: Aligning her public platform with her passion for making a difference.00:55:00 – Final reflections: Advice on authenticity, resilience, and purpose.Key Takeaways🎬 You don’t need a creative upbringing to follow a creative path.💡 Storytelling is about truth, connection, and self-expression.💪 Resilience and consistency are the true engines of longevity in any career.🌍 Living in alignment with your values is more rewarding than fame or success alone.🎤 Reinvention keeps creativity alive — never stop evolving.Resources & LinksAlexandra Paul’s Official Site https://alexandrapaul.comFollow Alexandra on InstagramLearn more at FlowVeda.comA Handbook of the Stanislavski Method

✨ Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Damien Swaby speaks with Naghmeh Farzaneh, an Iranian-born painter turned animation director, whose work has screened at Sundance and platforms like The New Yorker and Sesame Workshop. Naghmeh shares how she animates memory, navigates identity, and teaches the next generation of artists to embrace animation as more than cartoons — as a powerful storytelling medium. ⏱ Episode Highlights(04:15) How painting led Naghmeh to discover animation by accident(12:30) Turning memories of immigration into Scent of Geranium(21:40) Directing The Smallest Power with The New Yorker for Sundance(34:20) The painterly pipeline: from sketchbooks to After Effects(42:05) Adapting style for audiences at TED-Ed, Sesame Workshop, and beyond(54:10) Why “home” remains a central theme in her art(1:05:00) Advice for young artists and a message to her younger self🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy animation can be as expressive as painting or photography.How Iranian visual culture influences global storytelling.Practical insights into blending traditional art with digital tools.The challenges and joys of freelancing as a filmmaker.Why “finding home” is one of the most universal themes in art.🔗 Connect with Naghmeh Farzanehhttps://www.naghmehfarzaneh.com/about Weaver Films Launches Arkansas Love Story Campaign with Wedding & Engagement Film GiveawayWeaver Films – Arkansas Love Story Campaign Assetshttps://weaverfilms.co/Check out https://starwalkerorganicfarms.com YouTubel: https://www.youtube.com/@StarWalkerOrganicFarmsUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABYX (Twitter): @DamienSwaby https://x.com/DamienSwaby/status/1864468655582437405Instagram: @filmmaker__damien_swaby. https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker__damien_swaby/?hl=en 

Episode Summary In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Josiane Faubert, a photographer and creative entrepreneur who has built a platform to showcase authentic, diverse imagery of Africa and the diaspora. From her early life in Gabon to studying in Paris and building a career in London, Josiane shares her journey of redefining representation in visual storytelling.The conversation explores how cultural heritage, lived experience, and determination can shape a filmmaker’s and photographer’s perspective — and why authentic representation matters now more than ever.What You’ll Learn in This Episode🌍 How growing up in Gabon and France influenced Josiane’s eye for photography.📸 Why she founded PICHA Afrostock collection and the mission behind it.🎥 The challenges creatives of color face in the stock image and film industries.💡 Tips for emerging filmmakers and photographers trying to build a sustainable career.🔑 The importance of telling stories that reflect true diversity, not stereotypes.About Josiane Faubert Josiane is a Gabonese-born photographer and entrepreneur who founded PICHA Afrostock, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse, authentic African and diasporic imagery. Her work has been featured in global campaigns, and she is passionate about bridging gaps in representation across media and visual storytelling.Links & ResourcesFollow Josiane Faubert on InstagramExplore Afrostock on PICHADamien Swaby – Filmmaking ConversationsCheck out https://starwalkerorganicfarms.com YouTubel: https://www.youtube.com/@StarWalkerOrganicFarmsUse Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY