Marie Rouhban, a Franco-Lebanese filmmaker, traces her journey from Paris to Los Angeles. After a detour into marketing and collaboration with Disney, she fully immersed herself in the world of cinema at UCLA, all while maintaining a strong connection to her Lebanese roots.

Marie Rouhban shares her remarkable journey with Agenda Culturel.

How did your passion for cinema come about?

From my earliest childhood, when I would go shopping with my mother, we’d pass by a video store. The covers of the films displayed in the window would fascinate me, and I’d always want to stop by. Later on, I attended a school in Paris that placed a significant emphasis on culture, and from the sixth grade, I was able to take film classes. This helped me build a cinematic culture, and in my final year, I told my parents I wanted to pursue a career in cinema.

How did they react?

Not very enthusiastically! They suggested I first attend a business school and then maybe pivot to cinema later.

Is that what you did?

Yes, I enrolled at Paris-Dauphine University and later got admitted to ESCP, a renowned business school. I specialized in marketing and strategy, thinking that communication-related aspects would bring me closer to my passion.

Did it?

Absolutely. Initially, I had the opportunity to work on several major advertising campaigns for Disney. Then, in 2016, I joined an education-sector start-up, where I was responsible for organizing remote video classes, setting up film studios, managing lighting, and so on. As the company grew, I managed to convince my bosses to let me oversee the entire video aspect of the enterprise — not just online classes but also ad scripts, their direction, editing, etc. That’s when I realized this was truly what I loved and wanted to do with my life.

So that’s when you decided to truly dive into the cinema?

Exactly. I saved up to afford a film course at UCLA in Los Angeles, a mecca for cinema, and have been here for two and a half years now.

Have you found opportunities there?

Plenty. I’ve had the chance to direct numerous short films and also work as an assistant director, which is an excellent way to learn the craft. I also occasionally get hired to direct projects like commercials, music videos, etc. However, I have mixed feelings about the city’s lifestyle. From that standpoint, I miss Europe.

Would you like to direct a feature film?

Definitely. I’m working on adapting an Argentine novel, waiting for its rights to be available in 2024. I’m also developing a feature film based on one of my short films about climate change. It’s quite common in the industry to pitch a film project based on a short film. My third project is entirely new and revolves around a psychological horror theme.

Were you affected by the Hollywood strike?

Not initially, since I was filming and it mainly impacted writers. But when actors joined the strike, many projects halted. Some producers agreed to the actors’ terms, restarting a few films. Let’s see how things turn out in April, the high filming season. As for me, wearing multiple hats, I can’t really complain!

Does Lebanon play a role in your creative process?

I was born in France to a Lebanese father and a French mother. As a child, I spent every summer in Lebanon. Now, I’m farther from Lebanon, but my Lebanese background makes me more optimistic and drives me to keep pushing forward. My zest for life stems from Lebanon, and I feel as Lebanese as I am French. I believe the familial dimension evident in my films is influenced by my Lebanese side. If I were to make a film about Lebanon, it would likely focus on society and Zghorta, my family’s village. I’m also captivated by Lebanese cinema, which beautifully blends tradition and progressiveness.

What should we wish for you?

To kick off a feature film project in the U.S. within the next three years. Then, to return to Europe, where cinema is more human-centered and less profit-driven. I long to reconnect with the sensitivity of my roots.

Article penned by Zeina Saleh Kayali

https://www.agendaculturel.com/article/marie-rouhban-une-cineaste-franco-libanaise-a-los-angeles