

Documentary
SAMER ARZOUNI
FILMMAKER . DIRECTOR . PRODUCER . EDITOR
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
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
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
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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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
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