Film student’s passion for live production takes her from Jordan to Hollywood
Haneen Mutaz Mousa Saqer plans to turn her passion for live production into a career.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Haneen Mutaz Mousa Saqer’s passion for being on set was first sparked in 2018, during an internship with MTV Lebanon, where she was introduced to live production and broadcast television.
“Being in that fast-paced, high-energy environment sparked something in me,” said Saqer, a student at The Sidney Poitier New American Film School at Arizona State University, graduating with a film and media production BFA this spring. “I realized how much I loved being on set and how alive it made me feel.”
Born in Amman, Jordan, and growing up in Doha, Qatar, Saqer had always felt a deep connection to the arts. She began painting and drawing at a young age, and developed a love for photography as she grew. When a photography mentor encouraged her to explore filmmaking, “that advice ended up changing everything,” Saqer said.
Her college journey began at a different institution, where Saqer quickly became dissatisfied with the experience. But at ASU, she found the flexibility to pursue her true passion.
“At a time when transferring was too late and felt nearly impossible, ASU was one of the few universities that welcomed me with open arms and worked closely with me to make the transition possible,” Saqer said.
Now, after an inspirational semester studying at the school’s downtown Los Angeles location through its Semester in LA program, Saqer has got her sights set on moving to LA to pursue a career in live production.
Question: Why did you choose The Sidney Poitier New American Film School?
Answer: The launch of the Sidney Poitier New American Film School was a major turning point in my education. For the first time, there was a dedicated space designed entirely for film students, equipped with industry-grade technology, sound stages and post-production labs. It allowed me to explore the field more deeply and understand the professional standards of the industry. Beyond the resources, being part of a school that carries such an important legacy added a sense of pride and purpose to my work.
Q: What made you want to pursue a film degree? What was your “aha” moment?
A: The seed was planted long ago. As a kid, I used to watch live television events like the Teen Choice Awards and dream about what it would be like to be behind the scenes, helping bring those massive shows to life. That mix of spectacle, coordination and storytelling always fascinated me. Once I stepped into a real studio for the first time, it clicked: this was the world I wanted to be a part of, not just as a creative outlet, but as a career and a lifestyle.
Q: What has it been like getting real-world industry experience through your internships?
A: While I was in Arizona, I worked with PBS as part of the production crew and worked on the local show “Horizon” and the national show “NewsHour West.” I was also involved in preparing for special live shows and events, especially during election season. In LA, I’ve been interning at a startup entertainment studio founded by an ASU alum that focuses on stories from the Global SouthThe Global South broadly comprises Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan and South Korea) and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) according to the UN Trade and Development.. Since it’s in the early stages, I’ve learned a lot about managing archives, setting up systems, the story development process and creating pitch decks. Being in LA has given me the space to explore film more deeply, beyond just media production. It’s where I started understanding the bigger picture of storytelling and how I could be part of shaping narratives that reflect my identity and values.
Q: Tell me about something fun you did while participating in the Semester in LA program?
A: Being in LA in the spring meant being surrounded by major industry events. One of the most memorable experiences was attending the Oscars afterparty at the Dolby Theatre; it was surreal to be in the same space just hours after the Academy Awards had wrapped. Another Oscars-related highlight was attending a panel discussion with Oscar-nominated film producers at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, including “Dune: Part Two” producer Tanya Lapointe and “The Substance” producer Coralie Fargeat. Hearing directly from the creatives behind some of the year’s most celebrated films was incredibly inspiring.
I also had the chance to be a pit fan at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The moment I stepped in, it felt exactly like what I used to watch on TV growing up; it was electric. That experience gave me a front-row view of the energy, scale and coordination of a major live production, and it reaffirmed why I chose this industry in the first place.
Q: Which professors made the biggest impact on you?
A: Joshua Vasquez and Jason Davids Scott were among the first to teach me the value of making meaningful connections and how hard work pays off. The same can be said for Adam Collis and Andres Torres in LA, who provided invaluable guidance. One professor who made a huge difference is Richard Perez. He not only gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for travel production but also introduced me to documentary filmmaking, a field I’ve come to deeply enjoy. What sets him apart is how he consistently challenges me and sees something in my potential that I truly appreciate. He has always taken the time to give me personalized feedback, which has been incredibly valuable in helping me grow both creatively and professionally.
Q: If you were given a blank check to fund your own creative project, what would you make?
A: I would create a groundbreaking festival that merges music, film, television, food and fashion. Imagine a venue on the scale of Coachella, but with a unique twist: this festival would offer a multi-sensory experience. There would be stages for live music performances, pop-up booths showcasing fashion with designers, television screenings featuring some of the built sets, and film screenings with behind-the-scenes walkthroughs of the production process. The event would span an entire week, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in different aspects of entertainment, while fostering collaboration and creativity across industries. It would be a space where fans and creators alike could come together to celebrate and explore the intersection of art, performance and media.
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