AWARD-WINNING FILM DIRECTOR & CREATIVE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Mariam translates her multidisciplinary experience into powerful visual storytelling, proving that creativity can be reinvented and lived experiences can become commercial and creative leverage. A creator-operator who builds narrative and production value, she demonstrates the asset of multidisciplinary storytelling.

Director and screenwriter of award-nominated narrative films, including Out of the Shadows and Yeshka.

Out Of The Shadows

Own Your Story. Build What Comes Next.

Yeshka

AWARD WINNING FILM DIRECTOR

CREATIVE KEYNOTE
SPEAKER

INDIPENDENT DIRECTOR AND FILM PRODUCER

NASDAQ SPEAKER

The past does not write my future. I write my story.

Mariam Elhouli is an Australian entrepreneur, bestselling author, film director, and international keynote speaker whose work crosses business, literature, film, and leadership. Competence before vulnerability gives her story undeniable weight, making her creative experiences undeniable proof of active re-invention.

READ THE FOUNDER STORY

The Director's Keynote

WATTLE TREE PRODUCTIONS

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Wattle Tree Productions.

Wattle Tree Productions is a dynamic and emerging creative company based in Australia, founded by Mariam El Houli. The company’s mission is to create high-quality, original content that resonates with diverse audiences while celebrating authenticity and cultural representation.

Under Mariam’s leadership, Wattle Tree Productions brings together her passion for storytelling and dedication to meaningful, socially conscious media. The company specializes in film, television, and digital content, crafting narratives that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Australia and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Wattle Tree Productions. By partnering with local talent, the company ensures that every project not only showcases artistic expression but also supports and nurtures the next generation of creatives. Each production is designed to inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Out of the shadows is a deeply vulnerable look at the distance between the person we present to the world and who we are in private. It’s an unflinching story about the fragile nature of trust , the burden of hidden compulsion , and the ultimate, agonizing choice between retreating into shame or taking the terrifying first steps toward real, radical intimacy.

This film is a raw and honest portrayal of a couple facing the fallout of a difficult truth. It explores how addiction and the fear of being seen can fracture even the strongest bond, and asks what it truly takes to fight for love when everything you've hidden is laid bare.

Director: Mariam Elhouli
DOP: Fred El-Harris
Production: Wattletree Production
Co-Producer: Hyperia Production
Executive Producer: Richard Stal
Post: GM Studio
Edit / Color / Sound: Jibran Malik

Out Of The Shadows.

Actors

Eion Chigros-Xeni - Emir
Allie Helsemans – Selin
Marijana Cancar - Fatma
Lucia Bitonti – Dr Leyla
Mussa – Young Emir

Extras

Serkan Tokgoz
Faouzi Daghistani
Glen McBride
Lilly Ross
Carter Kingston
Juniper Stockdale
Jude Goldsworthy
Iphi Lawrence
Michael Tanti
Vanessa Zunic
Bella Tocci
Myrra Youniss
Stefano Calabro

Crew

Mariam El-Houli - Director
Omar Hawari – 1st AD
Sandra Grulli – 2nd AD
Fred El-Harris – DOP
Richard Stal – Producer
Post: GM Studio
Colorist: Jibran Malik
Sound Design: Jibran Malik
Rebecca Hines – Hair/Makeup
Kerrie-Anne Gaia – Set Dresser/Runner
Michael Tanti – Film Score Composer
Hyperia Co production team

Special Thanks

Quest Apartments
Eureka Apartments
Picnicc Café
Dennaoui Lawyers
Panna Thai
Phaarez and Sarah Ali

A Powerful Story Told Through Film

“Yeshka,” written and directed by Mariam El Houli, is a poignant cinematic exploration of resilience, growth, and the human spirit. The film follows a young girl navigating a challenging situation, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of her journey.

Yeshka is a testament to Mariam’s talent as a storyteller, extending her creative voice beyond literature into film. As part of her broader portfolio—which includes her award-winning debut novel, The Olive Tree, and numerous other projects—the film showcases her ability to craft narratives that are both emotionally compelling and socially resonant.

Through Yeshka, Mariam continues to explore universal themes of courage, empathy, and the power of storytelling across mediums, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and visionary creator.

★★★★★

Director: Mariam Elhouli
Production: Wattle Tree Production
Executive Producer: Kerry Anne Gaia
DOP : Sean Gerard Smith
Year: 2024

Yeshka.

Awards for Yeshka.

WATTLE TREE PRODUCTIONS

Shaping Stories, Empowering Voices

Wattle Tree Productions represents a fresh and vital voice in the Australian media landscape. Guided by a commitment to authentic storytelling, cultural representation, and community engagement, the company is creating content that not only captivates audiences but also reshapes the narrative landscape to be more inclusive and diverse.

Though still emerging in the industry, Wattle Tree Productions has already built an impressive portfolio, including documentaries, short films, and web series that explore themes of identity, community, and social justice. Each project has been praised for its authentic representation and compelling narratives, resonating with Australian audiences while gaining international recognition.

As the founder and driving force behind the company, Mariam believes storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and understanding. Her vision is to cultivate a creative space where diverse voices are celebrated, and stories that might otherwise go untold can flourish. Wattle Tree Productions is particularly dedicated to projects that highlight marginalized voices, reinforcing the importance of representation in media as a catalyst for dialogue and social impact.