What piece of advice would you give to young people who are just entering the world of media?
I would tell them not to do it. I would tell them all the things my less than supportive family fed me and all the other naysayers. Don’t do it, it’s not meant for you, you’re too short, too fat too this and too that. If after all of this dissuasion, you can’t sit still and you know you want to be in the entertainment industry then give it a try. You need to get used to the rejection you’ll be doled out in the process. Dubai is very special because there is enough work to go around for almost everyone but it other places where it’s competitive, 90% of what you’ll hear is negative feedback and you need to accept that and not take it personally, this took me a long time to understand.
Do you have a secret that you’ve used throughout your life?
Work harder than your competitors
How long have you been in Dubai and how do you honestly feel about the city? Likes, dislikes…
I’ve been here since November 2008 and I am in love with the city. I have never felt so accepted for what I am, as I am, as I have here and this is from someone who has lived in Asia, Australia and Europe before coming here. I love that everyone celebrates their diverse backgrounds instead of hiding it or trying to assimilate.
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Favourite movie:Chocolat
Favourite spot in Dubai: Al Mamzar Park
Favourite celebrity: Audrey Hepburn
Favourite DIFF film this year: I just saw Hitchcock at DIFF, loved it!
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