Today we’d like to introduce you to Markus Kashouh.
Hi Markus, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from the beautiful country of Lebanon in the Middle East. Unfortunately, our country has suffered and continues to suffer an ongoing economic crisis after a series of unfortunate and devastating events like the Civil War up until 1990 and the Beirut explosion in 2020. As a result, I have witnessed such great hope in tragedies, joy in suffering, gratitude amidst calamities, all of which are stories I love to tell. Living in a country like Lebanon, I have been inspired by the beauty and yet struggles of being a Lebanese. These are stories I want to share on the big screen. And so, since I was a child, I was fascinated by the film for its ability to impact people within this creative medium. I was encouraged by my parents and church to continue pursuing film with the dream to one day communicate the message of hope, endurance, and resilience mirrored by many Lebanese. This is a message I hope that would impact many others struggling to make ends meet, suffering in a war-torn country, witnessing family separation, and living under corruption, violence, and fear. There is an opportunity, and I feel called to introduce such wonderful stories of how people were able to rejuvenate and restore the beauty to our country and its people. Thus, this is where my story began — in my hometown in Lebanon. Now, I pursue my studies at Biola University in film with the aim to gain the expertise needed to communicate such narratives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It never will be a smooth road! Especially with financial constraints and living in a country like Lebanon, there are challenges. But there is so much opportunity as well. I come from a diverse background, and so there is the opportunity of introducing something unique to the industry. Of course, I cannot deny the difficulty of leaving home and studying abroad. Yet again I say, “opportunity!” If only I had stayed, how much I would have missed! And so, there are struggles. However, there is no “aspiration without perspiration,” as I like to say.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I touched on a bit, growing up in Lebanon, I have beautiful stories to tell. There are crazy stories of resilience, endurance, and forgiveness that I have witnessed while being raised in a country like Lebanon. There is so much diversity that I want to introduce to the US through my art, and specifically film. There are two things that I hope sets me apart. The first is culture. Coming to the US to study film was definitely a hurdle to overcome. Being away from family in a new world was challenging. One thing I learned was the beauty of preserving my heritage, my core. “Don’t forget where you came from,” someone once said. And there is so much value in that. And so, this is what I want to express in my films and what may set me apart: my culture. The second is impact. I have always had a heart to influence people, and I discovered that film was the creative medium to do so to make an impact on people. I want to communicate messages of hope and redemption through films that inspire!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I cannot emphasize enough how much being proactive has made my journey quite significant (and successful). I recently interned with The Chosen series just by sending out cold-open emails expressing my interest and love for the show. There is so much value in being aware, attentive, and proactive. Really, so many creatives and professionals I have had the chance to be proactive with have appreciated this act of service so much that; they don’t forget it. Sending out emails, being grateful towards someone, going the extra mile, buying coffee for someone, and sending an encouraging message are all ways that set us apart when being proactive. The “average” person does not do that. It is being excellent relationally rather than mediocre. Everyone is mediocre; it doesn’t set you apart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/markuskashouh/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/markuskashouh
- Youtube: youtube.com/@MarkusBlue
Image Credits
Michael Piehl, Moriah Pleasant, and Rachel Carlyle
