October 14, 2024
WoEgypt

Saga Elmohtaseb is an Emmy-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry. Based in California, she is also a professor at Chapman University, home to the #4 highest-ranked film school in the U.S. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) with an emphasis in Production from Chapman University (Class of 2001). She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts from California State University, San Marcos (Class of 1997).

Saga Elmohtaseb’s career began at E! Entertainment, coordinating TV show schedules, before moving on to manage post-production at bilingual channel LATV. This experience paved the way for her role as a production coordinator at Fox Studios’ VFX division, where she contributed to films like The Devil Wears Prada, Fantastic Four, and Iron Man 2. She also worked on indie films and projects with global distribution.

As line producer for the Emmy-nominated PBS series LA Foodways, Saga focused on environmental issues. Her work on 10 Days in Watts earned her an Emmy in 2024. She currently serves as president of Hollywood-Consulting.com, guiding independent projects, and is also the Director of Special Initiatives at Green Wish, a non-profit supporting local charities.

Elmohtaseb moved to the U.S. at the age of ten. Despite living in California for over 40 years, she still enjoys celebrating many of the cultural traditions from her homeland, especially Ramadan and Eid. “Even my non-Muslim friends come over for Iftar.  Albeit it’s for the amazing food! I know it’s about discovering and being part of a  tradition and gaining a better understanding of the Islamic religion. We are seeing more  and more people wanting to gain access to a higher power, and the question constantly  probing is, what is God? How do you practice that type of worship to God? Ramadan is  an opportunity to connect with others, to feel what it’s like to be without the simple  luxuries most take for granted like a delicious glass of water. We’re seeing the acts of  higher power, and the notion of spiritual awakening is something that is discussed  during these celebrations. But let’s be real, it’s all about the food!!!” She explains. 

She believes in the importance of preserving culture and traditions, which is reflected in her culinary pursuits. She enjoys cooking a variety of traditional Middle Eastern dishes and runs a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing Middle Eastern cuisine. “I consider food a universal language, and I speak it fluently,” she says.

In addition, she celebrates Egyptian and Arab holidays. “It’s part of the mosaic of my life, which I also share with  my non-Arab/Egyptian friends and extended families,” she explains. “In the end, it’s the occasions that  bring us closer and allow us to better understand more about our heritage and where  we come from. People are fascinated with culture now more than ever. The more we  realize how similar we are, the deeper our understanding of one another is. This is the  true foundation for compassion and openness.”

Elmohtaseb was invited to moderate a panel at the Hollywood Arab Film Festival, a moment that filled her with pride. As the only woman on stage among several Egyptian men, she made a powerful impact. “Engaging with them and bringing current topics like advancements in technology, such as VR, to the forefront allowed both the panelists and the audience to see me in a new light. I felt I was able to plant seeds for future women in my industry to engage openly, ask questions, and get involved. This thrills  me as I aim to close the gender gap and empower women to pursue their dreams in content creation.”

Among her many accomplishments, she is most proud of the Emmy Award she received. “Without a doubt, winning an Emmy for producing the TV docuseries 10 Days in Watts has been an incredible honor and a huge achievement. Creating content about underserved communities has always been close to my heart. One of my greatest successes has been staying in an industry known for its high turnover. It’s not easy to remain relevant and employed in such an ever-evolving field. I believe my tenacity, persistence, and strong work ethic have kept me a viable producer. I dream of expanding my professional repertoire by working with people from my cultural background, particularly in Egypt and neighboring countries.”

Elmohtaseb believes it is very important for new immigrants to integrate into a society where they can find a platform to express their creative process. “It’s almost a duty, as an Egyptian or anyone from a diverse background, to share their heritage. Now more than ever, Americans are curious about all things related to the Middle East. Why not paint a more accurate picture of what it’s like to be Arab, the types of food we eat, and how our culture brings us together? If we can take control of the narrative, offering a more authentic perspective than what is often portrayed by the media, why not be open to sharing? By inviting others into our world, they can experience for themselves the richness of our country, traditions, music, film, and so much more.

“We are more than the sum of what the US media portrays and  the best part is that people are coming to their own calculated conclusions thanks to  social media and authentic journalism.”

To women who are considering moving to the US, Elmohtaseb highly recommends they research the state and town they wish to move to. “There are many pockets of diversity within each state, and all are welcoming. A fresh perspective is also healthy, as it allows growth and the opportunity to collaborate on projects that highlight Egyptian life in the U.S. with a twist. I would also research available community outreach programs. The government funds local and state events (even in our tumultuous times) where people can see and experience what other cultures have to offer. One example is the Orange International Street Fair in Orange, CA. I’ve attended for years, and I always learn something new.” 

One thing Elmohtaseb emphasizes is not giving up. “If you truly want to thrive in the U.S. as an Arab, don’t give up. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with like-minded people, and maintain a strong work ethic.  

“My parents immigrated to the US with the determination to work hard to provide a solid foundation for my sister, brother, and me. We  all worked in our family business at a very young age.

“That work ethic, combined with the understanding that family is more than just a word, gave my sister, brother, and me the foresight to pursue successful careers and earn respect in our fields. I truly believe that being Arab and coming from a country that prioritizes family, culture, and tradition has allowed me to make a name for myself while remaining true to those values,” she concludes.