

Documentary
SAMER ARZOUNI
FILMMAKER . DIRECTOR . PRODUCER . EDITOR
Human Tide
Objective: To explore Hajj as a deeply human journey — following pilgrims from around the world answering a lifelong calling shaped by faith and longing.
Approach: An intimate, observational lens that moves with the pilgrims, capturing quiet moments of fatigue, connection, and reflection within the vastness of the experience.
Outcome: A cinematic portrait that reveals the human spirit behind one of the world’s largest gatherings, inviting audiences to connect beyond belief and geography. Premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Client: Ministry of Hajj &Umra KSA
Mission Everest : UAE Armed Forces
Objective: Balance the military precision of a UAE team with the raw, human struggle of summiting Everest.
Approach: Directed on location at extreme altitudes, capturing the emotional and physical toll of the journey with cinematic intensity.
Outcome: An award-winning feature for NatGeo — and one of the first Arabic-directed films shot on Everest.
Client: National Geographic
Nepal - Gateway to the Himalayas
Objective: Promote tourism in Nepal by highlighting its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Approach: Embarked on a 10-day trek to document village life, mountain landscapes, and the soul of Himalayan hospitality.
Outcome: A visually rich 3-part short series that inspires travel by revealing Nepal’s human warmth and breathtaking terrain.
Client: Nepal Tourism
Mecca's Custodians (2023)
Objective: Showcase Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism potential through a non-religious, human-centered lens.
Approach: We developed a grounded, cinematic style that captured the emotional and physical labor of those working behind the scenes — from crowd control to medical teams.
Outcome: Delivered a powerful docu-series praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and global resonance.
Client: VICE Media
Concrete Pouring World Record
Objective: Document the world’s largest continuous concrete pour over a non-stop 72-hour operation in Riyadh.
Approach: Filmed in a chaotic, fast-paced environment — capturing unfolding story beats around the clock with a nimble crew.
Outcome: Delivered a high-impact visual narrative of scale, revealing the human effort, challenges, and real-time problem-solving behind the record, told with authenticity and grit
Client: Mohammad Al Habib
Wild Sharjah : Turtles
Objective: Raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental programs in Sharjah.
Approach: Followed a group of environmentalists in the field — capturing real-time research, challenges, and discoveries in nature.
Outcome: One of my most personal films — created to spark curiosity and deepen public appreciation for the natural world.
#1 of 7
Client: P.P.A & National Geographic
Wild Sharjah : Underneath The Waters
Objective: Raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental programs in Sharjah.
Approach: Followed a group of environmentalists in the field — capturing real-time research, challenges, and discoveries in nature.
Outcome: One of my most personal films — created to spark curiosity and deepen public appreciation for the natural world.
#4 of 7
Client: P.P.A & National Geographic
I Am A NatGeo Photographer
Objective: Promote UAE tourism through a branded reality series for Nikon, anchored in storytelling and photography.
Approach: Hosted two seasons of a competitive format where MENA-region photographers faced creative, emotional challenges across iconic UAE locations.
Outcome: A dynamic, heart-driven series that spotlighted the UAE’s cultural and natural beauty — while positioning Nikon as a tool for storytelling.
Client: Nikon & National Geographic
We Will rise Again
Objective: Shift the narrative from tragedy to resilience by focusing on the youth-led response after the Beirut Port explosion.
Approach: Captured intimate, heartfelt stories of young volunteers working to rebuild lives and neighborhoods — with empathy and dignity.
Outcome: A moving portrait of Lebanon’s spirit, highlighting hope, solidarity, and the will to rise again.
P.S.A
Celebrating Humanity
Objective: Foster acceptance of refugees in Estonia by highlighting shared humanity across cultures.
Approach: Brought together refugees and locals from diverse backgrounds for a day of filming — strangers who left as friends.
Outcome: A warm, eye-opening piece that encourages empathy, inclusion, and community in Estonia.
P.S.A
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