Meet Boualem Hassaine | Founder, Film Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Boualem Hassaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Boualem, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to risk-taking, I’m all in. I see it as the secret sauce that spices up life and career. Sadly our brains are wired to keep us safe, which means they often throw a fit when we’re about to take a leap of faith. But for me, that’s where the magic happens—the discomfort of the unknown is where growth truly begins.

In my career journey, risk-taking has been my ride-or-die companion. Whether it’s saying yes to unconventional opportunities, speaking up for those crazy ideas, or diving headfirst into uncharted waters —both literally through scuba diving and metaphorically—, every risk has been like a shot of adrenaline. Sure, it’s scary at times, but those moments of uncertainty have taught me the most and opened up doors I never knew existed.

I live by Paulo Coelho’s words: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.” It’s a reminder that the fear of failure often looms larger than failure itself. So, I’ve learned to dance with discomfort, using setbacks as stepping stones to propel me forward.

At the end of the day, taking risks isn’t just about making choices—it’s a whole vibe, a mindset. It’s about embracing the messy, unpredictable journey of growth, knowing that each leap of faith brings me closer to where I want to be. And let me tell you, the view from the edge of that cliff? Absolutely worth it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the Founder of aMENAcan, a film and TV development and production company dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding through entertainment. Our mission is to unite people by sharing diverse stories from around the globe, particularly focusing on amplifying the voices of filmmakers from the MENA (Middle East-North Africa) and African regions on a global scale.

With a collective experience spanning over 30 years, we believe in the power of storytelling to break down barriers and cultivate empathy worldwide. Our aim is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the MENA and African regions, viewing what some perceive as differences as opportunities for unity and growth within the human race.

However, pursuing this vision has been far from easy. As an immigrant from Algeria, North Africa who relocated to the US at the age of 15 with minimal English proficiency, I initially struggled to see how I could turn my dream into reality. It took years of determination to realize that entertainment could be a potent tool for promoting equality and understanding.

Another challenge was convincing others of the viability of my vision as a successful business venture. I am grateful for the support of my team, particularly Mike Tankel, whose mentorship and leadership have been instrumental in shaping aMENAcan’s foundation. His experience has been pivotal to our success and growth. Mike Tankel once shared with me a profound insight about aMENAcan ‘ Boualem, together, we will transform aspirations into remarkable achievements, crafting a world where visions not only thrive but redefine boundaries.’ This sentiment encapsulates our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and fostering cultural understanding through entertainment.

Reflecting on this journey, I urge others not to limit their aspirations based solely on job titles or business prospects. Instead, envision the type of person you want to become and the impact you wish to have on your family, community, and the world at large.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting town, I’d start off with a breathtaking hike at Torrey Pines in San Diego. It’s my absolute favorite spot in the city, with its majestic views of the ocean and the mesmerizing sunset. There’s something about being up there, overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, that always fills me with inspiration and reminds me that anything is possible.

Next up, I’d add a thrilling activity like skydiving or scuba diving to the itinerary. For me, these aren’t just adrenaline-pumping experiences; they’re like forms of meditation, allowing me to connect with myself and the world around me in profound ways.

As the day winds down, I’d love to take my friend to a hidden gem of a speakeasy. Picture us cozying up in a small, local bar, surrounded by dim lighting and the smooth tunes of Frank Sinatra. There’s something magical about those places, where you can have deep conversations or simply enjoy each other’s company over a good cigar and a mocktail since I don’t drink.

Overall, I’d want to show my friend the best of what San Diego has to offer: the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the warmth of genuine connections. It’s all about creating unforgettable memories and sharing meaningful experiences with the ones we love..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes first and foremost to my family, who always believed in me even when they disagreed with my decisions. I also want to express gratitude to MEH for believing in me and pushing me to evolve into a better person. Sometimes in life, we have to part ways with the most precious individuals to grasp the true essence of existence and align our priorities for success and the pursuit of our dreams. Hitting rock bottom often unveils the real purpose of life and prompts us to reevaluate our path. What’s the point of living if we’re not striving toward our aspirations and fulfilling our purpose?

Additionally, I’d like to attribute much of my success to the young boy from “The Alchemist” book. Whenever life didn’t go as planned, he served as a poignant reminder of the importance of looking beyond current hardships because there’s always a divine plan waiting for us, as long as we remain steadfast in our vision and refuse to surrender.

Website: www.aMENAcan.com

Instagram: boualem86

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/boualem-hassaine-8a863056/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5207528/