Entertainment
Tarek Tohme’s Enticing Courage & Novelty in Hollywood
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Originating in 19th century Europe, films have long been considered a medium of transformative entertainment. Beginning with Louis Le Prince’s Roundhay Garden Scene in 1888, people expected to see something extraordinary that catapulted them away from their dreary reality, even if only for a fleeting moment. Initially, films were rather short and contained no synchronized dialogue. However, with the establishment of the American film industry in 1914, films became substantially longer, propelled by advancements in technology and storytelling. As the filmic medium came into fruition, it attracted a wide array of talented artists—the first wave of filmmakers and auteurs. These rising artists experimented with various themes unique to their own lives and communities, and—whether knowingly or not—they showed that the medium of film had an ability to truly touch the soul. As moving image content became increasingly popular, the Hollywood Studio System emerged, transforming a once infantile medium of entertainment into one of the world’s most bonafide commercial enterprises. And while the film industry today continues to be dominated by these major studios—Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros., Walt Disney, and Sony—one aspect of the film industry that has been a key player since the medium’s inception is that of independent film—and the artists who fight to tell unique stories. Driven by the minds and creativity of artists outside of the established, multi-billion-dollar entertainment conglomerate that is Hollywood, independent films often stress reality and focus the lens on stories specific to the independent filmmaker’s unique perspective and life experience. Today, independent films have gained significant traction among cinephiles and continue to attract bright minds to tell stories much different than the franchises, remakes, and comic book adaptations that dominate today’s box office. One such artist working his way up in the independent film sector is Tarek Tohme.
A Burning Desire for Filmmaking
On August 28, 1989, Tarek was born in Santa Monica, California, to a Lebanese immigrant father and American mother. His father exposed Tarek to the entertainment industry at a relative young age; however, his father’s work was in the music industry rather than film—he served as pop icon Michael Jackson’s manager. Tarek completed his early education at Harvard-Westlake High School in 2008. From a very early age, he harbored a passion for storytelling, first beginning to tell stories in a video art class that was offered in ninth grade. Tarek’s passion for the medium drove him to attend the University of South California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he obtained a degree in film in 2013. Owing to his stellar academic background, he also became the university’s prestigious, full-ride, Trustee Scholarship recipient. Upon graduation, Tarek decided to venture into the filmmaking world as a producer. To his credit, some of his feature films include Don Quixote: The Ingenious Gentleman of La Mancha and In Dubious Battle. But these projects were only the beginning of Tarek’s gradual rise as an artist.
Tarek had found the independent film world to be quite fascinating—it was a sector of the industry that enabled artists to create works of art not limited by budget, cast, or executive opinion. It was the lone space in the film industry where an artist could truly tell the story he or she desired to, while simultaneously providing opportunities for artists and production personnel that the established Hollywood system might not see as lucrative due to their unproven monetization power. After producing several feature films, Tarek went on to test the directorial waters. While he had directed several short films and a segment of the feature anthology The Labyrinth, his first full-length feature film as a director was Hold On, starring Luis Guzman, Maurice Benard, Flavor Flav, Beth Grant, Micayla De Ette, and himself. The film entered production in 2016 and was first released to American audiences on December 6, 2019. Hold On portrays the life of an overlooked singing prodigy who develops an unlikely creative bond with the son of a famed music manager. The film was Tarek’s attempt to cathartically transform the traumatic personal and professional experiences of he and his real-life best friend Micayla De Ette into a work of art that could shed a light on De Ette’s incredible music talent, while also serving to inspire others who are struggling with the loss of loved ones or unrealized dreams.
The years prior to the film’s conception were a challenge for Tarek; he was grappling with the loss of a mentor to cancer and the recent disappearance of a dear friend. His best friend Micayla De Ette (the star of the film) was also struggling with her own grief. She had just lost her sister and was losing a hold of her once undeniable musical dreams. In De Ette’s words, “[losing my sister] rocked my life. It rocked my faith. My family is still recovering.” While both Tarek and De Ette were in the midst of their respective struggles, in each other they found something beautiful—they found unparalleled friendship, support, and a reason to make a meaningful change in the world.
Tarek and De Ette’s collaboration conceived a special work of art that continues to be loved and supported by many individuals. In 2017, Tarek joined forces with De Ette in laying the foundation for a music production company, “De Ette Dream Productions,” with De Ette as the company’s primary creative force and Tarek as her partner.
“We are going to get this to a point where we can make it successful and then hopefully bring on other people who have similarly been overlooked and not had the chance.”
In conjunction with Tarek’s film production company, Stone Canyon Pictures, Tarek and De Ette hope to provide a gateway for people to realize their true potential in the film and music industries.
And while he is ambitious and will go to great lengths to bring real, inspirational stories to the big screen, Tarek is not one to boast. “We are not doctors or heroes saving lives. We are not changing the world in some profound way. But if the films or music we create can positively impact just one person’s life—if we can inspire one person to keep hanging on—then we’ve done our job.”
And despite his humble claims, Tarek’s work carries a magical quality. It not only inspires those who are struggling, but instills a sense of hope in aspiring filmmakers and artists who might not have the courage to put their art out to the world. Tarek’s rise in the industry is proof that it sometimes pays off to take the road less traveled in Hollywood. Through this inspiring journey alone, one could argue that Tarek Tohme is, in fact, changing the world. But just like the young auteurs of the 19th century, he may not realize it yet.
Entertainment
Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ to Enchant Paris in an Evening of Musical Unity
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Byline: Katreen David
It’s no secret that music holds the power to enchant people. Ears hear the melodies and every fiber of the soul feels them, especially when the message behind the musical notes conveys a call for world peace.
“In times of turmoil, music has always been our refuge, where we find solace and the courage to hope. This is what inspired ‘Concerto for Peace,’” reflects Omar Harfouch, the world-renowned pianist and composer who will bring “Concerto for Peace” to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.
When he isn’t busy producing classical melodies with every keystroke of his piano, Harfouch can be found redefining what it means to blend art and activism. His upcoming “Concerto for Peace,” set to premiere on September 18, 2024, promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an evocative call to unity, a symphonic plea for a world yearning to heal.
Just 48 hours after enchanting Paris with the concerto, Omar Harfouch will take the stage at the United Nations in Geneva to deliver the “Concerto for Peace” once more. This remarkable performance is set to be a highlight of the World Music Conference, coinciding with the global observance of World Peace Day on September 20.
A Symphony as a Statement
Omar Harfouch is no stranger to the power of music as a transformative force. With a career that’s as much about melodic innovation as it is about social impact, Harfouch’s latest work, “Concerto for Peace,” encapsulates his belief that music can be both recreational and revolutionary. As 2024 sees the rise of art with a cause, Harfouch’s concert stands out for its musical mastery and bold message.
“This isn’t just about notes on a page,” Harfouch explains. “It’s about creating a space where every listener, regardless of background, can feel part of something larger—a movement toward peace, one note at a time.”
In a world where philanthropy is increasingly woven into the heart of the arts, Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace” reflects a growing trend where music serves as a catalyst for change. The performance, featuring the Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mathieu Bonnin, is set to be a defining moment in this movement.
The Pulse of 2024: Music with Purpose
As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the intersection of art and advocacy has never been more pronounced. The global music industry is seeing an unprecedented convergence with philanthropic efforts. Artists are not just creating for the sake of creation; they are crafting experiences that resonate with the world’s most pressing issues.
Omar Harfouch stands on the frontlines of this shift. “Concerto for Peace” is emblematic of a broader movement where art becomes a form of protest, a medium for messages that words alone can’t convey.
“Music has this incredible ability to reach where words often fail,” Harfouch reflects. “In every melody, there’s a story. In every crescendo, a call to action.”
An Artistic Tribute to Roots and Responsibility
The story behind one of Harfouch’s most famous compositions is a tale from his childhood. This is primarily why the upcoming Paris performance is also deeply personal for Harfouch. Among the pieces featured is “Tripoli,” a composition that serves as a musical homage to his birthplace.
With its intricate blend of cultural motifs and personal history, this piece adds a profound layer of authenticity to the concert. To that effect, it becomes an artistic expression fueled by his personal journey.
“Tripoli is more than just a city to me—it’s a symbol of resilience, of the beauty that can emerge from hardship,” says Harfouch. “Through this piece, I’m sharing a part of myself, my history, and my hope for the future.”
Another key highlight is “Save One Life, You Save Humanity,” a composition that spotlights Harfouch’s belief in the power of individual action. In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into broader societal change, this piece serves as both a reminder and an inspiration.
A Crescendo of Hope
As the “Concerto for Peace” prepares to echo through the streets of Paris, Omar Harfouch is reflective yet resolute. “We live in a world that’s constantly changing, constantly challenging us,” he says. “But in music, we find a constant—a reminder that beauty, harmony, and peace are always within our reach if only we’re brave enough to listen.”
For Harfouch, this concert is the culmination of months of work and proof of the enduring power of art to reflect the world, comfort the world, and change the world.
The “Concerto for Peace” is bound to leave behind a lasting impact—a reminder that, in the grand symphony of life, every voice matters, and every note counts.
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