From Hurghada Shores to Global Screens: Samuel Azer’s Journey
Born by the shores of the Red Sea in Hurghada, Samuel Azer’s story began far from the film sets he now calls home. Long before lights, lenses, and storyboards entered the frame, he walked the halls of hospitals and pharmacies as a clinical pharmacist. Yet even then, something deeper stirred — the rhythms of life, the pulse of people, and the raw emotion of everyday moments were calling to him. They weren’t just meant to be observed — they were meant to be told.
A Creative Heart in a Scientific World
When Samuel moved to Cairo to study pharmacy, his life became a study in contrasts. By day, he mastered the science of the body; by night, he explored the poetry of human behavior. Cairo itself became his first film set — a city bursting with emotion, tension, character, and color. While pharmacy taught him discipline, it was the city’s raw energy that awakened his creative instincts. Eventually, the pull toward storytelling became too strong to ignore.
The Leap — From Science to Storytelling
After years working at Pfizer’s regional office in Dubai, Samuel made a life-changing decision: he left the medical world behind and flew to Los Angeles to study filmmaking at the New York Film Academy, based in Burbank Studios — the heart of Hollywood. There, he honed his craft, turning theory into practice and transforming passion into purpose. When he returned to Dubai, it was not as a pharmacist but as a filmmaker ready to embark on his second act.
Finding a Voice — and an Audience
Samuel’s career quickly gained momentum. He began with TV commercials for global and regional brands including Pepsi, Xiaomi, HSBC, Jeep, Danone, Tag Heuer, Careem, Aldar, TEC Dubai, RTA, Dubai Media Office, Dubai Culture, and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, working with top agencies like Hypemaker, Wunderman Thompson, theADstore, and Brunswick. His storytelling soon expanded into long-form projects — from the acclaimed TV series Cosmopolis (2022) to the psychological thriller Kaboos (2023). His work on Ward Rihan, starring Egyptian superstar Ahmed El Fishawy, marks his first feature film contribution, set for release soon. Today, Samuel serves as a creative writer and director at SOCIALEYEZ, blending cinematic vision with emotional truth.
Giving Back, Story by Story
Beyond the screen, Samuel is committed to mentoring the next generation of creatives. He regularly speaks to students, most recently at the American University in Dubai, where he broke down the art of a great creative brief, the importance of creative choices, and how to make them. His ultimate goal? To teach film while making films — building a life where theory and practice enrich each other. “Storytelling isn’t just about craft. It’s about care,” he says, a philosophy that guides every script, set, and classroom session.
Current Endeavors and Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Samuel is preparing to pursue his MFA in film while finalizing his debut book, Creative Choices: How and Why We Choose What We Film — a personal and professional reflection on the decisions that shape stories. Whether he’s directing campaigns, developing feature films, or inspiring students, his mission remains constant: to tell stories that connect us across borders, identities, and generations.
From Hurghada to Hollywood, from white coats to red carpets, Samuel Azer’s journey proves that the most powerful stories are the ones we have the courage to live.
Conclusion
Samuel Azer’s journey from the streets of Cairo to international acclaim serves as an inspiration to many. His dedication to authentic storytelling, combined with his commitment to community engagement, underscores the transformative power of film. As he continues to craft compelling narratives, Samuel remains a beacon of creativity and resilience in the cinematic world.
For a more in-depth look into Samuel Azer’s work and updates on his latest projects, you can follow him on Instagram: @samuelazer.mov.
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