Connect
To Top

An Inspired Chat with Malek Hanna of Sherman Oaks

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Malek Hanna. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Malek, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes, definitely. Working in this industry, you run into all sorts of personalities and backgrounds. It’s almost like a masterclass in understanding human nuances. There have definitely been times when I’ve been really grateful that I didn’t jump in too quickly. Sometimes, not reacting on impulse has saved me from misunderstandings or from making a choice I’d regret.

For instance, I remember a time on set when there was a disagreement about the art decoration for a scene. It was tempting to just make a quick call to resolve it, but I decided to hold off and listen to everyone’s input. Giving it that little extra time let us come up with a creative solution that everyone loved. So yes, I’ve definitely been glad I didn’t act too fast in moments like that.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Malek Hanna. I’m an award winning actor, singer, and producer, and the debut author of Inner Flight, a book that’s available on Amazon and now beginning to appear in bookstores. I also narrated the audiobook version, which is available on Spotify and Audible.

Alongside my film and writing projects, I’m developing a slate of films at various stages of production and have had the pleasure of collaborating with incredible talent around the world, including my producing and writing partners Tom Jenkins, the legendary Mario Kassar, and my team at 4Sight Entertainment.

On the music side, I’m excited to share my new single Ya Jama’a, co-created with Latin Grammy winner Paulina Aguirre and produced by Vincent Ott under the guidance of platinum producer Pablo Aguirre. The track, along with its music video directed by Justin Knodel, choreographed by Jules Ungaro, reflects the same themes of inspiration and connection that run through all of my creative work.

At the heart of everything I do-whether it’s acting, music, or filmmaking-is a commitment to bringing light, hope, and humanity into a world that can sometimes feel overwhelmed by noise and distraction. My goal is to create art that helps people slow down, look inward, and reconnect with what truly matters. I believe we need more humanity in our stories, more moments that make us pause, reflect, and rediscover that sense of connection.

Whether it’s through my music, my films, or my writing, I hope to inspire self-reflection and bring a little more light into people’s lives.

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my journey with you.

Warmly,
Malek

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
You know, I think what really breaks the bonds between people often comes down to disconnection and not being fully seen. In a world full of noise-social media, quick judgments, and all of that-it’s easy for people to lose that fundamental human connection and not allow each other to be fully seen for who they are.

But I truly believe what restores those bonds is empathy and giving people the space to be their full selves. When we really listen to each other, let people show up authentically, and bring a bit more humanity into our interactions, that’s when the bonds start to heal. For me, whether it’s through my music, my films, or my writing, I want to help people peel back those layers and find that common ground again. It’s all about encouraging self-reflection and reminding us that we’re in this together.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
You know, when I think about what suffering taught me that success never could, it’s all about those deeper layers of resilience and humility. Success is great- it feels good, it’s shiny, but it doesn’t always teach you the same depth. Going through tough times, on the other hand, kind of forces you to slow down and get real with yourself.

For me, those struggles have been like a masterclass in patience, empathy, and understanding that not everything is about the highlight reel. They taught me to find meaning in the moments where things didn’t go as planned, and to appreciate the journey even when it’s messy. Suffering basically taught me how to embrace the blooper reel of life and still keep going with a bit of humor and heart.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d probably say it’s about bringing light and humor into the world while staying determined to achieve my goals and create a positive impact. They know I’m big on genuine connections, having some fun, and making people feel seen and heard. Whether it’s through my creative work or just everyday conversations, what really matters to me is bringing a little more humanity, kindness, and a good laugh into the mix. They’d probably say I’m someone who listens, who wants to inspire, and who believes in finding those real, joyful moments that help us all feel a bit more connected.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When it comes to the story I’d love people to tell about me when I’m gone, I hope it’s one of someone who brought more light, inspiration, and joy into the world. I’d like to be remembered not just as a skilled actor, singer, and filmmaker who broke barriers, but as a true humanitarian. Someone who pushed boundaries, challenged the system, and worked to bring filmmaking and art back to their roots – less about politics and more about genuine heart. I hope people remember that I poured messages of hope, love, and inspiration into my work, and that I always tried to help others feel seen and uplifted.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Mario Kassar, Tom Jenkins, Vannessa Vasquez, Justin Knodel, Monique Impagliazzo,

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories