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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.

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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.

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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.

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Client: Nepal Tourism 

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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.

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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

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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 

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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P.S.A

Let's Talk

UAE: +971509562656

Estonia: +37253535139

Samer@spotlifefilms.com

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