When Andy Khaouli was a child growing up in Lebanon, his world was shaped by a VHS camcorder. With his father working abroad, Andy’s mother would film their daily lives to keep the family connected. To Andy, these tapes felt like stepping into a real-life movie — his mother as the director, and he and his family the stars. Watching them sparked a lifelong fascination with storytelling and the magic of capturing moments.
At just ten years old, Andy grabbed that same camcorder and began creating his first “epic horror” film with his cousins and friends. It was in these playful yet passionate moments that he discovered his true calling: storytelling wasn’t just entertainment for him; it was his destiny.
From there, Andy’s obsession only grew. Whether it was music videos from around the world, local acting workshops, or making shaky home videos with friends, he was hooked on anything that sparked emotion and left an impact. This addiction to turning imagination into reality is what set him on his unstoppable creative path.
Turning Childhood Passions into Big-Time Dreams
Andy didn’t just dream. He acted. He dove headfirst into the filmmaking world after graduating, working on short films, taking on various roles, and absorbing everything he could about the craft. His short film “Moo” toured international festivals and even won his first award in Turkey, giving him a taste of what was possible.
Despite his success, Andy faced setbacks. He found himself working in entertainment television, editing celebrity interviews and reports. At first, it felt like he had made it. He was financially stable and finally part of the industry he loved. But over time, he realized he was editing content he had no connection to, losing his creative spark bit by bit.
He began questioning why he was behind the scenes helping build someone else’s spotlight when he knew deep down that he was meant to create stories that carried his own vision. The pandemic and Lebanon’s ongoing crises only added to the struggle, making it seem like his dreams were slipping further away.
A Bold Leap of Faith
Then came the moment that changed everything. One morning, Andy decided he couldn’t spend another minute ignoring his true passion. He quit his job after 4 years and chose not to renew his contract.
Just weeks later, as if the universe heard his call, his best friend Serge Majdalany received an offer to direct a music video. Without hesitation, they packed their bags for Dubai and decided to join forces as a directing duo. This decision marked the start of a brand new chapter, one where Andy took full control of his story and future.
Achievements that Spark Global Attention
Among Andy’s proudest achievements is directing a global music video campaign for PUBG Mobile with renowned Iraqi singer Rahma Riad. For Andy, this wasn’t just a professional milestone. As a child, video games were his escape, his world of endless imagination and inspiration. To go from playing games for hours to creating a campaign for a game he knew by heart was like stepping into a dream he never dared to imagine.
Coming from a small country like Lebanon, it felt impossible at times to think such big dreams could become reality. Yet, being chosen to direct such a massive project and to do it alongside his best friend proved that no dream is too big and no background is too small. When your heart is in it, the world eventually notices.
Pushing Creative Boundaries
Today, Andy is busier than ever, but in the best way possible. He’s currently working on new music videos that aim to break all the creative norms in Lebanon. He’s challenging both himself and the audience, pushing visual and storytelling limits further than ever before.
Not stopping there, Andy is also diving into the advertising world, exploring new ways to blend creativity and storytelling for brands. On top of all this, he’s developing his first TV series and feature film, a dream he’s had since those early days with his mom’s VHS camera.
Every project Andy takes on today feels like a step closer to his ultimate goal: to inspire and leave a lasting impact.
Lessons Learned and a Vision for the Future
Over the years, Andy has learned a powerful lesson: trust the process. He believes that success doesn’t come quickly or easily. Anything that shines too fast tends to fade just as fast. On days when he feels defeated, he reminds himself that setbacks aren’t failures but opportunities to grow stronger and improve his craft.
His focus is not on chasing trends but on staying true to his own voice and emotions. This approach keeps his work authentic and helps it connect deeply with people.
Andy’s ultimate dream is not just to create memorable stories but to build a community. He wants to be remembered as someone who believed in teamwork, family, and shared success. To him, true magic happens when everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to bring their best to the table.
A Message to His Younger Self and All Dreamers
If Andy could give advice to his younger self, it would be simple yet profound: Be patient and trust the journey, even when it feels slow or uncertain. Take risks, embrace failure, and most importantly, stay true to your voice.
Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience and believing in yourself even when no one else does. This journey is long, challenging, and sometimes lonely, but it is always worth it.
Today, Andy Khaouli stands as living proof that with passion, patience, and unwavering belief, even the wildest childhood dreams can become your everyday reality. He is not just creating music videos or films; he’s creating inspiration for anyone who has ever dared to dream big.
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