Suha Araj: “I Want People to Tell the Stories That Won’t Leave Them Alone”

SA: It’s been hard, because it’s not a time where you feel like you want to promote anything. It’s also a time when you want to talk to people—not only post—about what is happening. How can you use your voice in the most effective way? I came to filmmaking because I didn’t like the representation that’s out there, and I felt that I wanted to have a hand in creating representations that felt more authentic.

The most rewarding part of filmmaking is being able to sit with the audience and watch them take in the film and see what they feel and what they connect with. That’s so much harder to do virtually, even though it’s still happening in its own little way. But meeting people [at an in-person screening] and these long-term friendships that are formed—that part is missing.

I also think maybe there’s a wider reach, and more people are seeing it than would have been able to [in a pre-pandemic world]. I feel a little silly if I announce, “Hey Rosa won this” or “We’re screening here.” Then I notice people are really happy, which makes me feel good, but every time I post right now, there’s a hesitation. I’m feeling more internal than external, and I’m sure many people are. It’s also a time when we need art and stories and connection more than ever.