The Harrag Twins Are Taking Over Hollywood One Project At A Time
Samir and Hicham Harrag
How did you guys get into movie directing and production?
Our love story with cinema began with a stroke of luck. At the age of 13, a production team arrived at our school to hold a wild casting, and that’s how I got the opportunity to audition for a role in their film. Against all odds, I landed the lead role, and it was a true revelation for me and my twin brother. We were awestruck by the magical and fascinating world of movie sets, and we knew that cinema would be our passion forever.
After completing our training in cinema, we quickly felt the need to tell our own stories and create our own projects. We then adopted a self-taught approach, drawing inspiration from the greatest names in cinema such as Arnaud Desplechin and Steve Conrad. We worked tirelessly to develop our skills and refine our artistic vision.
Today, we are proud to say that we have achieved our dream and have succeeded in creating films that touch people’s hearts. For us, cinema is more than just a job, it’s a true passion that drives and inspires us every day.
Talk about the first major opportunity you both received when you entered the movie industry?
We came from a modest family in the suburbs of Paris, and access to the world of cinema seemed far beyond our reach. This industry was reserved for the privileged and those who had connections in the field. But one day, an unexpected opportunity came our way: someone trusted these little kids from the North African suburbs to play a role and take a step into the world of cinema.
It was a unique opportunity and a turning point in our lives. We seized it with strength and determination. We worked hard to improve ourselves and give our best. We succeeded in making a place for ourselves in the world of cinema through our talent and hard work.
Today, we are proud of our journey. We are proud of where we come from and what we have accomplished. Our success is the result of our hard work and passion for cinema. It shows that, even if the obstacles may seem insurmountable, nothing is impossible if you have the determination and courage to pursue your dreams.
How does your Parisian background influence the films you both create?
We strongly believe that growing up in the suburbs and being of North African descent is an immense treasure that has significantly influenced our writing, our perception of the world, and our sensitivity. Although some may view it as a disadvantage, we have turned it into a strength to create works that are powerful, realistic, and imbued with humanity and values. We take pride in our heritage and the way it nourishes our art, giving it a unique and authentic dimension.
What opportunities do the American movie industry present for those who come from around the world looking to enter the movie industry?
We fervently believe that the American film industry is a source of inspiration for many people around the world. For us, growing up with films like The Goonies, E.T., Jumanji, Gremlins, Hook, and Back to the Future was a formative experience. How could we not be inspired by these cinematic masterpieces that captured our imagination and ignited our dreams, no matter where we were in the world? They are a powerful source of inspiration that can act as a catalyst for turning our passion into a profession, even in the most remote corners of the planet.
