Omar Farooq on creative power and documentary making
Aug 07, 2025 [[read-time]] minute read
Omar Farooq has done it all for his YouTube channel.
He’s been a beekeeper, a pearl diver, dates merchant, and many professions long overlooked, all in the name of creativity and storytelling. Omar Farooq & his series Omar tries are iconic in the world of content creation on YouTube, with Omar always pushing the limits in creativity and production. Most recently, Omar started making documentaries that have taken him all around the world as he explored the tribal courts of Yemen, the unique matrimonial traditions of Morocco, and even through the waters of the Bermuda Triangle.
Omar’s latest documentary – Escaping the Future –takes him to Japan where he explores an alternative side of Tokyo across themes of loneliness, climate change, and community.
Escaping the Future premiered at a YouTube hosted screening in Dubai last month where we caught up with Omar on his transition into filmmaking, the role of creators in the evolution of the film industry, and how the shift in viewing from mobile to TV has influenced his productions.
You could have continued doing your successful Omar Tries series as it is - what compelled you to move into documentary making?
To be honest, when we went to Japan, we didn’t plan on making a documentary at all. The idea wasn’t even on the table. But while we were filming, we realized just how much meaningful material we had, it wasn’t something that could be covered in a short episode. The footage, the stories, the energy… it all pointed to something deeper. So we followed that instinct. At the end of the day, I never tie myself to one format. Whether it’s a YouTube series, a documentary, or a Reel, I always ask: What’s the message? If I believe a message needs space to breathe, to connect, I’ll choose the medium that serves it best. It’s not about trends. It’s about impact.
“The shift to TV screens has only pushed me to raise the bar in terms of production quality, not just visually, but in how I craft the story. When people are watching on larger screens, they expect something more immersive, more cinematic.”
How has your audience received this transition?
It was received well, just like many of my previous works. But honestly, it always comes down to the authenticity of the message and the intention behind it. Audiences today are incredibly sharp; they can sense when something is genuine and when it’s not. If the message is honest and executed with care, it usually resonates. That’s been my approach, and so far, people have responded with support and appreciation.
Given the shift towards TV screens for YouTube consumption, how does the viewing environment influence your creative decisions and production quality?
The shift to TV screens has only pushed me to raise the bar in terms of production quality, not just visually, but in how I craft the story. When people are watching on larger screens, they expect something more immersive, more cinematic. But even with that, my priority remains the same: the depth and authenticity of the message. So while the format and tools might evolve, the intention behind the work stays consistent. I always aim to deliver something that feels meaningful and honest, whether it’s viewed on a phone or in someone’s living room.
“Storytelling is like a sport, you have to keep practicing to get better.”
You submitted to a few festivals, how did organizers receive the fact that you are a YouTube creator?
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how the organizers received it, and that’s okay. For me, the real judge is always the audience. If the story resonates with people, that’s what matters most. Recognition from festivals and awards is definitely a bonus, but it's never the goal. The goal is to share something meaningful and let the work speak for itself, regardless of where it’s being shown.
The one thing you want the traditional film industry to understand about creators like you is...?
What I know for sure is that the world is evolving fast. Creative power is no longer centralized. Content creators today don’t need permission or recognition from traditional institutions to make an impact. We can start anywhere, with anything, and still reach global audiences. There’s a huge opportunity for young people to shine on their own terms, and that, to me, is the future of storytelling.
“Creative power is no longer centralized. Content creators today don’t need permission or recognition from traditional institutions to make an impact.”
Beyond analytics, how do you interpret audience engagement and feedback from your digital community to refine your storytelling approach?
Storytelling is like a sport, you have to keep practicing to get better. And just like any athlete needs a coach, storytellers need feedback. I take audience responses seriously because they help me understand what truly resonates. But I also make sure to surround myself with professionals I trust, people who are honest, direct, and hold themselves to the highest creative standards. Their input, along with my audience’s engagement, helps me refine my voice and push each project to be better than the last.
Escaping the Future is now available on Omar Farooq’s YouTube channel with English subtitles.