Tell us a bit about yourself - all the basics! Where you’re from, where you grew up, interests, hobbies, siblings, causes you’re passionate about, anything else that comes to mind…

I’m Ibrahim Nash'at, a documentary filmmaker based in Berlin, originally from Egypt. I’ve been living here for the past six years. I grew up in Cairo, Egypt. I like watching films and doing sports, though my ability to stay active has decreased lately with all the travels promoting our film. I’m passionate about telling different narratives, especially since I live in the West. My goal is to offer new perspectives, and with my company, Rolling Narratives, we aim to present narratives that audiences might not typically encounter. I believe these stories can help build bridges between cultures and make the world a less polarized place.

How did you become interested in film?

My interest in film started in childhood. I used to hide away in my room and watch movies as a way to escape and cope with life’s challenges. Watching films provided me with inspiration and different perspectives that helped me through my days. The film that made me want to pursue filmmaking was Forrest Gump, which I saw around age 11. For most people, Forrest is just a guy with special needs, but he achieves extraordinary things, even when people doubt him. His resilience and accomplishments deeply inspired me, and that’s when I knew I wanted to make films that tell real, impactful stories, much like Forrest Gump.

How did you arrive at the subject of your Close Up project?

I connected with the Close Up project through our producer and co-writer, Talal Derki. Initially, I joined with a different project, Between the Hooks, a documentary I’d been working on for three years in Sri Lanka. It was selected for the Close Up initiative, but once the course started, I began filming Hollywoodgate in Afghanistan and had to put my original project on hold. When we shared this shift with Sigal, she offered support for the new project. I explained that Hollywoodgate had to remain secretive, so she arranged a tailored program for us. I would meet with Nino in France for mentorship, working one-on-one. Both Sigal and Nino became consulting producers on the film, and their support was invaluable, helping us navigate connections and even secure funding such as The Whickers Award from Jane, another supporter, which was a great help, and I am incredibly grateful for all the support that helped bring this project to life.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what might you be? What did you want to do or be growing up?

I originally studied Pharmacy, so I might have continued in academia as a teaching assistant at the university where I studied before switching careers. My path seemed set to be a pharmacist—I was an A+ student and considered pursuing a master’s degree in microbiology.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Relax. Just relax. Things will unfold as they should; you don’t control the future, so accept what comes. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have listened to myself back then.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to find ways to embrace the journey itself. It’s not about the achievements but about what you’re doing along the way and how I grew in the journey. The small moments, the steps in the process, are what matter most. Big moments, like awards or being at film festivals, can feel empty if you don’t appreciate the process leading up to them. My proudest accomplishment is working with an incredible team from the top of the industry. This continuous learning experience with them has helped me grow in my field.