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Published by Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz

DEC 2024: The Fruit of Our Labor

DEC 2024: The Fruit of Our Labor

As we close out the year, we are proud to reflect on the fruits of our labor—projects that have come to life through our team’s dedication and the impact these stories have had on others. December marks a time of gratitude and anticipation as we celebrate recent...

November 2024: Social Impact

November 2024: Social Impact

Welcome to the Reel Nation Media newsletter for November! We are thrilled to announce significant advancements this month in our flagship initiatives, Olive Trees and Concrete and Sally's Iron Mustangs, as well as our newest community-driven project, Sally's Across...

From the Nakba to Now: Amplifying Palestinian Voices

From the Nakba to Now: Amplifying Palestinian Voices

At Reel Nation Media, our commitment to telling the stories of those impacted by the global family displacement crisis has been a focus of our work. In 2019, we created "The Pursuit of Refuge," a documentary that followed a Syrian refugee family's journey in...

August 2024 Newsletter: Reel Connections

August 2024 Newsletter: Reel Connections

Welcome to the August edition of the Reel Nation Media newsletter! In this issue, we are excited to share significant updates on our flagship project, Sally’s Iron Mustangs, including the progress of the film’s music production and improvements for festival screenings. We also introduce new projects on the horizon that amplify diverse narratives, particularly focusing on the Palestinian experience. You’ll find details about our recent collaborations, upcoming events, and fundraising efforts, as well as a special spotlight on our impact producer, Erin Price, and her inspiring work. As always, we value your support and feedback as we continue our mission to create meaningful and transformative cinematic stories.

July 2024 Newsletter: The Road to Completion

July 2024 Newsletter: The Road to Completion

Welcome to the July edition of the Reel Nation Media newsletter! Last month, we made great progress on Sally’s Iron Mustangs and are on the horizon for our next film. This is our first newsletter in three years, and we are excited to reconnect with you. We are close...

Resilience is the “Why” Behind Sally’s Iron Mustangs

Resilience is the “Why” Behind Sally’s Iron Mustangs

The inception of "Sally’s Iron Mustangs" marks a significant chapter in Reel Nation Media's journey, reflecting its core mission to create authentic, healing, and inspiring cinematic storytelling. This project, created by director Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz at the end of...

Teaser – Sally’s Iron Mustangs

Teaser – Sally’s Iron Mustangs

A New Journey I'm thrilled to announce the announcement teaser for my upcoming documentary, "Sally's Iron Mustangs" - a senior women's weightlifting documentary. This journey of making the movie has completely transformed my life. The story revolves around Sally, a...

The Solution to Media Escapism

The Solution to Media Escapism

What is Escapism? Escapism is defined by Merriam-Webster as: “habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine”. However, this “habitual diversion of the mind” terminology has been contested by some...

A Process for Choosing Your Film Composer

A Process for Choosing Your Film Composer

What the Right Composer Matters Choosing the right composer is a crucial decision when finishing your film. Good music can either save or destroy years of your hard work. We've all seen movies with a lackluster score with lackluster scenes. If you have the budget to...

3 Principles to Overcome Artist’s Rut

3 Principles to Overcome Artist’s Rut

"Be consistent in your craft, don’t be perfect. Be consistent in the way you think, the way you practice, the way you live. Being an artist is a way of life." - Abdullah Abu-Mahfouz, Film DirectorA career or practice in art isn’t easy, and some days, if not most, it...

We Need Conscious Media Art

We Need Conscious Media Art

What is Conscious Media Art? “Entertainment” or, to me, media art, is a huge part of human lives. The word “entertainment” carries two meanings: to divert attention and to contemplate an idea. Its pure purpose is to serve as humanity’s method to deliver meaning. "The...

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