Philip Jamal Rachid a name now making waves in the UAE and across the world is more than just a filmmaker. He is a storyteller, a cultural bridge, and a symbol of generational change. His journey, rooted in identity and grit, shows how one person can rewrite the narrative not only for himself, but for an entire community.
Breaking Barriers on Dutch TV and Film
Philip’s rise began in the Netherlands, where he became one of the first main characters on Dutch television and cinema with a visibly Middle Eastern and Kurdish appearance at a time when representation was extremely limited. Despite not having a formal acting or theatre diploma, he secured roles in mainstream Dutch productions, proving that raw talent, dedication, and authenticity can break through systemic barriers.
His presence on screen challenged the “whitewashed” image dominating European media, making him a pioneer in promoting diversity long before it became a buzzword.
A Mission Rooted in Identity
Beyond his acting career, Philip has always carried a larger purpose he wants to change global perceptions about Kurdish people and the Middle East. For him, the only way to do this is to tell stories from within the region, authentically and with nuance. That’s why he made the bold decision to move to the United Arab Emirates, a hub where East and West converge, and dubbed it his creative base.
In the UAE, he founded Soultrotter Films, a production studio that did not arise from privilege or inherited fortune, but from sheer ambition, purpose, and vision. Through this platform, Philip channels his own cultural journey into cinematic storytelling, encouraging voices that too often remain unheard.
A Journey of Failures, Successes, and Generational Impact
Philip doesn’t just talk about success he vividly describes the missteps, rejections, and moments of doubt that shaped his career. But he shares all of it openly because he knows his journey matters. For young people, especially in MENA and the diaspora, his story becomes a mirror: “If he did it, maybe I can too.”
He has walked through countless workshops, mentorships, community projects, and panels. Over the years, he has guided and inspired emerging filmmakers in the UAE, building not just films, but a movement.
Navigating Identity, Building Purpose
Growing up as an Iraqi-Kurdish / Bulgarian child born in Bulgaria and raised in Amsterdam, Philip’s identity was never simple. He often felt caught between cultures, languages, and traditions. But instead of letting that disorient him, he used it as fuel for his creative mission: to uplift underrepresented voices not just in the Middle East, but across the global diaspora.
He sees his films and his life’s work as deeply connected a mission to reshape how Kurdish people and the broader MENA region are seen on the world stage.
Making Films That Matter
Philip’s filmmaking style is bold, genre-defying, and emotionally resonant. His films meld high-end cinematic visuals with deeply personal storytelling.
Some highlights of his work:
It Ain’t Where You From / The Main Circle 7.83
A documentary exploring hip-hop, dance, and street art across the Gulf, portraying “third culture” youth in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Kurdistan. The film won several international awards, was showcased by the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth to train youth in experimental storytelling, and competed at the Oscar-qualifying IN THE PALACE Film Festival in Bulgaria.
In 2018, VOX Cinemas dedicated a special International Women’s Day screening to Philip J. Rachid’s female-empowerment–themed work.
SHE
A short documentary celebrating seven women in the UAE as they pursue their dreams and challenge societal expectations. The film received multiple international awards, was showcased by the UAE National Human Resources Authority, and became one of the first publicly screened films in Saudi Arabia.
Hoody Man, No Body, The Moonlight Rider
A selection of projects that further demonstrate his versatility — experimental, fictional, and deeply personal storytelling.
In 2014, he won the Dubai International Film Festival short film competition with Happy Birthday, shot entirely on the first 4K phone camera a film that later earned him a place in the Samsung Museum in Seoul, Korea.
In 2012, he made his debut short film Zol’a in Kurdistan, using a humble FlipCam HD. The film premiered at the Duhok International Film Festival and was later screened at the New York Film Archive Anthology.
A New Chapter: “JAMAL” and Legacy
One of Philip’s most personal projects is JAMAL, a fiction film that pays tribute to his late father. Through this film, he explores Kurdish identity across languages and cultures, telling a story that is intimate, fresh, and deeply rooted in legacy.
For Philip, no one else could tell this story the way he can. He sees his role as the visionary who brings his internal world to life, so others can feel, understand, and connect.
Vision Beyond His Lifetime
Philip’s ambition goes well beyond commercial success or personal accolades. He dreams of reshaping the global narrative landscape one that centers emotional, daring storytelling and champions new voices. He wants Soultrotter Films to be more than his own platform; he wants it to be a living, breathing space that outlives him, inspiring generations to come.
He hopes to be remembered not just as a filmmaker, but as a changemaker someone who broke boundaries, uplifted communities, and built something far greater than himself.
Advice from the Heart
Philip’s philosophy is simple but powerful: trust your instinct and act on it. He challenges the idea that a diploma or formal qualification defines an artist’s worth. For him, what matters more is dedication, vision, your unique cultural mix, and the struggles you’ve overcome. That is where true art is born.
Why Philip’s Story Matters
Philip J. Rachid’s journey matters because he’s not just telling stories he’s transforming a narrative. He’s a living example for young Kurdish creatives, third-culture youth, and anyone who feels unseen. His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, culture, and vision. Through Soultrotter Films, he’s creating a legacy that speaks beyond borders, languages, and identities.
Do follow him on Instagram.
Also read: Entrepreneurship Programs for Gulf Youth Driving Change
