What does it take to build a successful directing career across drama and comedy in both film and television? On October 7, the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee (EDSC) invited Arab American filmmaker Cherien Dabis to discuss that subject during their meeting discussion, Telling our Stories: A Journey of Creativity, Authenticity and Resilience.
In a conversation moderated EDSC Co-Chair Afia Serena Nathaniel, Dabis — whose directorial credits include episodes of All That’s Left of You, Ramy, and Only Murders in the Building — opened up about the realities of directing, from developing a powerful visual language and working with actors to navigating demanding sets and bringing nuanced stories to life. She also discussed what shaped her directing philosophy, how she approaches her craft, and what she believes the future holds for diverse voices behind the camera.
During the conversation, Dabis revealed that she became a filmmaker because of her early interest in storytelling in a post-9/11 world. She became obsessed with the changing world and wondered why were people suddenly turning on her [Arab American] family. Since there was no one on television to tell the stories of her family, she chose to go to film school because she believed in becoming the person who could bring these stories to the public.
In addition to the previously mentioned projects, Dabis’ other directorial credits also include episodes of Ozark, Little Voice, Invitation to a Bonfire, Sweetbitter and Empire. Her 2009 feature Amreeka won the FIPRESCI Prize, Directors' Fortnight or Critics' Week at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
Dabis has been a DGA member since 2015.
About the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee
The Eastern Diversity Steering Committee represents the concerns of Guild members of African, Asian, Native American, Arab-Middle Eastern or Latino descent residing in the East. Committed to improving the employment opportunities, working conditions and the skills of ethnically diverse Guild members, the Committee sponsors workshops, seminars, round-table discussions and networking events to showcase the talents of its members, recognize their contributions and increase their visibility in the industry.
