I am Meriem Sakrouhi. An architect, a storyteller, or a rulebreaker, depending on who you ask. But if you ask me, I am a filmmaker.
In the past, I’ve designed pavilions in Morocco, improved a university curriculum in Barcelona, premiered a documentary in Chicago, and built an app for transit accessibility in New York. Speaking 5 languages does come in handy, and I highly recommend it.
Currently I’m based in New York, where I lead a storytelling studio, and run my independent film practice, 33M, experimenting with narratives, voices, and AI.
One of the most memorable days of my life was when my dad attended the screening of my short film, 'Inner Selves,' in New York City. Although he couldn’t understand English, he witnessed the reactions and laughter in a packed theatre. A few weeks later, I received the Platinum Remi at the World Fest Houston International Film Festival.
At this very moment, I am working on a short film inspired by voice notes I leave to my dad who has passed away recently. This project has been a healing process for me and a field of inspiration for my interest in making multilingual films that feel personal but resonate universally.
ACCOLADES
Platinum Remi for Live-Action short film, World Fest Houston International Film Festival
Director's Award for Best Short Film, Berlin Independent Film Festival (online Premiere)
People's Choice, AIA Film Challenge
Winner, Ford Mobilize NY Competition
Finalist, NYC Driverless Future Challenge
Runner-Up, Habitat For Humanity Design Challenge
Finalist, Project Casa Anfa (Urbanization and Development Agency)
Semi-finalist, National Startup Recess Competition
Installation selected for Phase 2, Burning Man
FEATURES
Presenter, Chicago Ideas Week
Featured, Chicago Tribune, Business Insider, L'economiste, ArchDaily
Published, UrbanNext, Challenge Magazine
Cinematic rendering featured, Best Unbuilt Architecture, ArchDaily
Reviewer, Pratt Institute
Thesis advisor, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia
Interviewed, Player vs Life Podcast
+185k views on Vimeo
Issued, National Interest Waiver Green Card for Exceptional Ability in the Arts
