Podcast
“The reason I make films is because I have something to say.”
— Rodrigue Hammal, Featured Artist Podcast
After moving to Canada, Rodrigue faced the familiar challenge many immigrant artists encounter: the lack of Canadian experience. It wasn’t easy stepping into a brand-new industry with no local contacts or experience.
“For someone to tell you, 'you lack Canadian experience,' in your head you don't hear Canadian, you hear experience. And you start doubting yourself, what is it that I am lacking after 15 years that I need to work on? And it's something that wasn't easy for me.”
— Rodrigue Hammal, Featured Artist Podcast
But Rodrigue didn’t let that stop him—he shared the practical steps and mindset shifts that helped him find his footing and make a name for himself in Toronto’s film community. Within a short span, he landed projects such as In 2 Words (2020), The Bridge (2021) and a feature documentary Anatomy of a Warrior (2022).
In our conversation, Rodrigue also opened up about how spirituality influences his storytelling and creative process. His work often explores powerful themes such as mental health, minority experiences, and the human condition.
His latest short film, Exception (2024), is currently enjoying a successful festival run, earning multiple awards—including “Best of the Festival” at the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival.
Now based in Toronto, Rodrigue is developing a feature film and a series focused on the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ immigrants living in the city.
To find out more interesting facts and insights about this podcast, listen now!
Rodrigue Hammal
Featured Artist Podcast by Zaheer Shahid
Welcome to another episode of the Featured Artist Podcast.
In October 2022, I reached out to Rodrigue Hammal to be part of this podcast series. Rodrigue is an award-winning filmmaker who immigrated to Canada in 2019. Originally from Lebanon, he brings over 18 years of experience in directing and writing narrative and documentary films. His body of work includes hit TV series like The Little Drop (2019).