Nadia Naffa is the director of one of the short stories in the new Five documentary. This documentary.

The Synopsis 

“FIVE” is a documentary film series that follows the journey of five women from five countries across the globe who have each set out to start a purpose-driven business to improve and uplift their communities. The short films were commissioned by Mastercard, and spotlight the following global businesses

Sarah’s Bag is the story from Lebanon directed by Nadia Naffa. Naffa introduces us to the entrepreneur Sarah Beydoun who made a business out of good faith while working on her thesis. She took the initiative to teach handcraft techniques to women incarcerated to later employ leading to successful bad business today known as Sarah’s Bag. With this action it facilitated women to feel worthy again and be able to be financially secure to help support their families. I was able to ask some questions to the director about her involvement in Five and shared her experience to bring us Sarah’s Bag.    

Nancy Tapia: It must be super inspiring to be a part of documentaries about other women’s success! When did you first hear about Five?

Nadia Naffa: My dear friend Creative Director/Producer Thomas Morgan reached out to me to join the team and start searching for inspiring women in the Middle East. The idea was so intriguing and compelling. I love to work on projects that are close to my heart and home and that sheds light on pressing issues and bringing hope.

Nancy Tapia: How did you find your story with Sarah’s Bag?

Nadia Naffa:Filming Sarah’s Bag was a natural continuation of Sarah’s story and mine. In our own ways we are similar. Our journey and beliefs share many commonalities exemplified in the film itself and in the process of filming.

I come from a generation of women activists in my own family, my aunts have spearheaded the feminist movement in Jordan in the fifties, my sister is currently one of the main activists in the country and my mother was one of the first few women to play professional sports and lead national teams.

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Nancy Tapia: Was she how you envisioned her to be?

“I was aware of the brand as it is a very well-known brand, but I knew little about Sarah’s own story and her mission as an entrepreneur.

Nadia Naffa: When I met Sarah, her mother and the women in her life, I realized the reason behind her drive. She is surrounded by strong women and inspired by her mother, sister and the women she works with.

Nancy Tapia: It’s admirable to see how someone’s good deeds lead to changing other women’s lives. Which subject story did you personally find captivating?

Nadia Naffa:We filmed Sarah’s Bag by an all women crew whose lives were also touched by strong women and who are making an impact and changing the lives of other women, children and families.

Nancy Tapia: Just like these women had a second chance I understand Sarah is going through her second chance after the explosion from August. In this case in rebuilding her store. Do you know how she is doing?

Nadia Naffa: Sarah’s life mission is focused on giving back life to imprisoned women whose lives were stolen. Sarah gives women not only a purpose to live but she unleashes their potential to excel in doing something creative and bringing to life beautiful and artistic pieces to be worn and used by other women. Sarah is carrying on with her life mission; creating, empowering and inspiring individuals and communities.

Nancy Tapia: What do you hope viewers will take from watching these stories?

Nadia Naffa: Entrepreneurship is not always purely business. It is community work. It is a life mission that transcends from one’s self to others. When you have a solid belief in social change and you have a support system at home, you can be the change and you can inspire others to join.

Check out a short trailer of Sarah’s Bag

Five is now available on digital and On Demand 

Commissioned By Mastercard

Last year, Mastercard expanded its commitment to financial inclusion with a pledge to bring one billion into the digital economy by 2025, including a focus on providing 25 million women entrepreneurs with solutions that can help them grow their businesses. Spotlighting these five stories will bring further awareness to some of the world’s most critical issues challenging inclusion. From food insecurity and sustainable farming to special education and diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Mastercard is dedicated to driving action to build a digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive