Wasim’s Voice: Music, Memory, and Moving Forward

In this portrait documentary, I had the chance to meet and film Wasim Arslan—a musician and refugee from Syria—who discovered the power of his voice after leaving his home behind.

We recorded this during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond sharing Wasim’s story, I wanted to explore how isolation affected artists—especially those rebuilding their lives in a new country. Capturing his vulnerability meant designing a space where he could feel safe, respected, and seen.

Throughout production, I was intentional in how I framed and guided our conversations—tuning into Wasim’s energy and adjusting the direction when moments felt too heavy or distant. In post-production, I iterated multiple times, presenting rough cuts to my teacher to refine the narrative and emotional flow. I also dove into research—studying old music videos and cultural references—to find the right tone and sonic palette that honored both Wasim’s roots and his journey forward.

That same mindset shapes how I approach design today: co-creating safe spaces, listening with care, and iterating with purpose—so people’s real stories can lead the way.