THE BEIRUTIES

Meet the team

WAEL ABOU SAMRA - CEO
His journey from being a Lebanese athlete to fitness trainer, manager, a business fitness consultant and mentor showcases a decade of transformative impact on over 100 lives across the world. Renowned for his exceptional business mindset, Wael is not only a risk-taker and adventurer but also an inherently determined individual. Wael's humble personality serves as the cornerstone of team cohesion, inspiring them to believe in their dreams and actualize their aspirations. His leadership style is a blend of vision, determination, and a genuine commitment to empowering others. He conducts workshops designed to share the secrets he's uncovered during his 10+ year old journey and to inspire and empower both amateurs and professionals to take risks and excel in what they do, helping them find their true voice and stand out from the crowd.

INGRID EL ZOGHBY - CEO
An acclaimed Lebanese director, she is also a script writer, cinematographer and photographer, holding a bachelor's degree from the Lebanese University and a master's degree in directing. Committed to amplifying the voices of the marginalized, she collaborated with various NGOs focusing on human and women's rights. Beyond her filmmaking pursuits, she has lent her skills to impactful advertising campaigns, including notable work with Déjà Vù. Among her significant achievements is the award-winning short documentary "21 February," recognized at esteemed film festivals such as the Beirut International Women's Film Festival, Cabriolet, the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada, and the Lebanese Independent Film Festival. Ingrid's storytelling prowess and advocacy shine through her diverse body of work, showcasing a deep commitment to both societal issues and the art of filmmaking.

MICHEL LABAKI - CEO
A Lebanese filmmaker, cinematographer, and production coordinator/manager, possessing a bachelor's degree in audiovisual arts from the Lebanese University. Renowned for his cinematography, he dedicates himself to the narrative, considering every element in the frame as integral to the story. His notable collaboration includes the award-winning documentary "The Perfect Picture" with Lebanese Director Hala El Kouch. With a 7+ years of experience in ad and music video production, he has worked with esteemed production houses such as Déjà Vù, Dreambox, and The Hub. His professional journey involves collaboration with international directors, cinematographers, and producers on projects for globally recognized brands like Pepsi, Volkswagen, McDonald's, Procter, Gamble, and artists including Nancy Ajram and Hiba Tawaji.

HALA EL KOUCH - CEO
An international award-winning Lebanese film director and photographer. She is also a film professor, writer, editor, producer and cinema therapist. She grew up in Lagos since 1995, then moved to her hometown Beirut for her studies in 2008. With a bachelor in cinema followed by a master's degree in film directing and cinematherapy, her artistic brilliance shines through her remarkable works, including the award-winning short fiction film "Fishing out of the Sea", her impactful medium-length documentary, "The Perfect Picture," embarked on a global journey, captivating audiences across 36 festivals worldwide, including prestigious festivals like IDFA, HOTDOCS, London Shorts, and Glasgow Short Film Festival. Her short documentary, "Modern Famine," received recognition from Al Jazeera, showcasing her ability to craft compelling narratives by filming with an iPhone. Her work is almost always known for the emotional complexity, depth and layering it holds, tackling not only personal but also social issues. She witnesses and interpreters all that is unseen and unheard, pointing out what everyone chooses to disregard.