Building a Home away from Home

Transcribed story

"Building a Home away from Home"
from Jordan

I was born in Toronto to a Jordanian father and a Palestinian mother. Growing up in a culturally rich household, my roots shaped my identity. I've always had a strong passion for storytelling and media, which led me on a unique journey.

My interest in media and communication led me to study at York University. During my education, I noticed a lack of opportunities for young individuals like me in the media industry. Instead of seeing this as an insurmountable challenge, I viewed it as a chance to create my path.

After graduating with a degree in media and communications and a strong belief in my abilities, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I founded a small video production company, facing various obstacles but remaining committed to realising my dreams. Seeking guidance from prominent producers in the Middle East, I received valuable mentorship to nurture my talent.

My first venture, "23 Republic," was an online channel focused on the Arab-Canadian community, dedicated to amplifying unheard voices and stories. Through this platform, we produced over 30 TV shows, series, and short films covering politics, society, and the economy. This was a significant achievement for a young entrepreneur with a vision.

As my ambitions grew, I recognized that "23 Republic" wasn't expanding as quickly as I envisioned. Undaunted, I made the bold decision to close that chapter and start a new one, leading to the creation of "ii3studios," my video production company. With years of experience and a burning passion, I entered a new phase of my career.

Through resilience and creativity, I became an award-winning entrepreneur and filmmaker. My work aimed to represent the overlooked voices of the Arab-Canadian diaspora community in the broader Canadian media landscape, shedding light on their experiences and perspectives.

My journey, from a passionate recent graduate to a successful entrepreneur and filmmaker, stands as a testament to unwavering determination. It serves as a reminder that creating opportunities often requires one to be the architect of their dreams. I've shown that unwavering belief in one's talent can make a significant impact in the world of media and storytelling. Yet, I still ask myself, can we build a home away from home?