We won the Emmy. It’s bittersweet because our friends in Lebanon couldn’t be there to celebrate with us. Every day we text, “Are you ok?” So far, they are. Keep talking about Lebanon. Keep talking about Gaza. Ceasefire now.
1- Our acceptance speech was Sally Hafez’s message for the world.
2- The envelope. (Yes, I got to keep it.)
3- Field Producer Angie Mrad, who conducted all of the interviews. Angie is truly one of the most courageous people I’ve ever met. For the past year, she’s been covering the Israel/Lebanon border, risking her life to share what’s happening.
4- Field Producer David Enders framing a shot. Dave Enders is not only a talented journalist who has spent years working in the Middle East, but also a compassionate soul who rescues dogs and has an impeccable taste for insanely delicious food.
5- Me, Nico, and Zach in Lebanon. Zach and Nico lived in Lebanon in 2019 and invited me to come over, and I didn’t know that trip would have such a profound impact on me. I’m forever grateful.
6- The overhead lighting diagram that Nona drew so I could get the cinematic look we were going for. Every night I’d upload stills, and she’d give me encouragement and feedback. I am so thankful for her and love her so much.
7- Adam Ellick, me, Zach, and Jonah Kessel. We saw this 8-minute documentary through twenty-seven revisions. They pushed us, encouraged us, and really championed this story.
8- Smoking cigs with a bank robber.
9- Eating pizza with one of my best friends after we won an Emmy.
10- Sally Hafez boldly writing “Coming Back” with lipstick on the bank she robbed a few weeks earlier.
Not Pictured: Dina Abou Zour and the Depositors Union who are fighting for the financial rights of the Lebanese people. This piece wouldn’t be possible without her.
And a big I LOVE YOU to Zach Goldbaum. I can’t wait for the next one, my friend.
Our New York Times documentary is nominated for an Emmy. If we win, Zach and I will read this message (slide 2) from Sally Hafez, one of the subjects in our documentary. I’m sharing it along with a few other messages from friends and collaborators in Lebanon. I hope it shows the sincerity, kindness, and humor that persists through extremely dark times. Maybe pass their message along too? I’d like more people to see their faces, read their words, and remember their own kindness.
@nytopinion
Produced by:
@toddbieber@zachgoldbaum
Featuring:
@Bassam_sheikh@Salihafiz
Field Producers:
@davidjenders@angiemrad
Color: @notnickvega
Sound Mix: @uptownworks
