Zyara Makers
Liliane Hanbali
Editor
Liliane Hanbali is a film editor from Beirut, Lebanon. She has been working since 1997 on TV commercials, documentaries and public service announcements. In 2012, she opened her own production company, WAHM, taking on all kinds of film productions. Her commitment and passion for storytelling make her a pillar in the creation of Zyara.
When Zyara started we were supposed to edit 4 pilot episodes and wait to see where it will lead… Now, many seasons later, Zyara is still leading us.
Emile Aouad
Sound Mix and Design
Music Composer, Sound Designer, and Instructor at Saint Joseph University/ IESAV. His musical style is a mix of oriental and occidental musical backgrounds he grew up with. His work as a music composer and sound designer covers documentaries, fiction films, Series, programs, and commercials.
Zyara… A symphony of emotions that never stops shedding light on the sufferings of beautiful souls while carrying them and us, through a myriad of poetic images, to the real meaning of life.
Elie Barakat
Photographer
Known as Noir, he is a poetic visual artist known for his passion to keep memories alive. As a director and photographer, he believes in the power of observation and express his pursue for beauty through imperfection: To capture every day’s life, as it exists and to let it unfold.
For me, Zyara is a therapy for delivering droplets of hope as well as suggestions for change through storytelling. When someone really observes and listens, we heal.
Ghina Abboud
Behind the Scenes
Ghina is an Arabic name that means singing, to sing; and I am a filmmaker. Two years ago, I decided to put aside my camera and be involved in manual labor as part of my discernment with the Little Sisters of Jesus. Two years that changed me, that taught me to be human, minimal and true to myself. Now as I come back to filmmaking, I can’t but feel the urge to be as authentic in filming, as I was when I let go of the camera. I wish through my work that I can deliver the blessing that I felt during these two years.
Entering one’s house, precisely where Zyara is entering, demands a lot of tenderness, attentiveness, modesty, and knowledge. Zyara makers are honestly taking off their shoes, and I cherish them not only for this, but because they started and continued this beautiful adventure with the simplicity of a visit. Thus, all started with a visit.
Sevine Abi Aad
Translator
A citizen of the world and a teller of stories. I’ve been singing all my life and my artistic path has always been accompanied by a thirst for connection. Through singing, my core objective is to remind people that we are all the same.
We’ve all experienced heartbreak, loneliness, passion and deep melancholy. I think Zyara is doing that in its own way, reminding everyone that being human is gut wrenching and it can sometimes a little too much for the soul… and at others, it is the most beautiful thing in the world; and that’s one of the many reasons I consider myself privileged to be a part of the Zyara family. May we always stand firm in our humanity, kindness and poetic beauty.
Marie Lamaa
Head of Communication Department
Working in the field of heritage for over 20 years in France and Lebanon, Marie joined our team because she deeply believes in the values promoted by our work. A healthy and rich society is built on accepting and welcoming others in all their differences and originality.
Five minutes which tells a story, a fight, sometimes a whole life, but above all a victory, an accomplishment… The episodes of Zyara are a magnificent testimony of humans, of external as well as internal struggles; but above all, they are notes of hope and love. I am very happy to participate in this great adventure full of optimism and hope, especially since I don’t like defeatism or negativism in life, and above all victimization; even if I understand that sometimes situations and contexts are too difficult and can seem insurmountable.
Yasmine Sheaito
Online Presence Manager
I am the co-founder and communications manager at Jazilan, the collective partnering with Home of Cinejam in their online outreach journey. My background is in translation, content management, communication consulting, and general things that have to do with words and interaction.
Backstage, I am a writer, traditional folk song enthusiast and singer, and endlessly struggling parent.
Coming from a life-long fascination and interest in storytelling and the significance of what is seemingly insignificant, I was a spectator of Zyara for years, before coincidence (or the stars) brought us together. Today, with so much gratitude I can say that I am part of this journey of storytelling, not only with Zyara, but the entire act of social activism that is Home of Cinejam.
Dalia Sheaito
Social Media & Content Manager
I’m the content manager at Jazilan, working on Home of Cinejam’s website and social media accounts. I am somewhat of a “jack of all trades”, working in translation, transcribing, teaching, research, content managing, and the list continues.
My passion is education and arts, mainly handmade arts and educational crafts, and I’m always working on applying my skills towards this passion.
Working on Home of Cine-Jam website and social media gave me the opportunity to dig deep into this journey, and what a journey it is! Zyara teaches you how to empower people instead of victimizing them, while through the Intuitive Filmlab you learn how to listen to your intuition and follow your heart – essential lessons missing from our traditional educational and schooling system. I’m grateful for being a part of this amazing journey and action.
Amgad Mabrouk
Web Designer
Amgad is an Egyptian graphic designer, with a special focus on digital publishing. He finds it a bit weird to write about himself in the third person so he’s going to keep it short. He is also the co-founder of Jazilan and its resident creative director.
Zyara is visual music, an emotional rainbow, and the human connection is the gold I found at the end of it. Thank you Muriel and Denise for this gift.
Shadi Rabahi
Videographer
Before graduating from AUT with a BA in Audio-Visual Communication, I collaborated on 10 short films with international filmmakers. After creating 3 short films and 8 years of working as a producer, writer, director and actor, I am now working towards being a truly intuitive creator.
