There are things that change shape depending on where you look from, belonging is one of them. And belonging is never black or white. It can be as fleeting as a moment by the sea, as personal as what you see in others’ eyes, or as present as your quiet effort to find a place in daily life.

With Prod, we explore that liminality called Dubai. Our paths crossed to celebrate what’s ours, to cherish friends, and to stay true to what’s within. He speaks from a delicate space shaped by where he was born. The archive of every version he has ever been. And yes, nostalgia really does taste better with a shawarma on your hands.

Everybody must belong somewhere.

But who gets to decide where?

Food for thought.

DUYGU Define life in Dubai.

PROD Dubai is a city of immense opportunity. It’s a place where you can truly define your own experience. What really makes Dubai shine is its diverse subcultures and the abundance of choices it offers. Whether you crave luxury or prefer a more chill vibe, Dubai caters.

More than that, it’s the people you meet here. The network is incredibly welcoming and open. If you’re someone who embraces life, you’ll find a lot to love. Dubai has given me and my family so much. I’ve created a bubble of comfort and friendship that I genuinely value. And that’s not something you find easily these days. That’s why I’m still here.

DUYGU When you think of your earliest memories of Dubai, what images or sensations come back to you, and do they find their way into your photographs?

PROD When I think of my earliest memories of Dubai it always comes back to the ocean. Growing up I remember doing family barbecues on the beach, finding those perfect intimate spots. Dubai felt different then, a much smaller scale. From the beginning, it was always a truly intimate, community-driven city. And what’s amazing is that the community didn’t fade.. it evolved and grew into the city it is today. That definitely plays a role in my work.

My photography is defined by the people around me, the inspiration I draw from their daily lives, the way they move through the world. The strong sense of community with people from all over the world coming together. Sharing knowledge and skills has stayed with me since childhood.

DUYGU How much of your storytelling is planned, and how much is shaped on the spot by the city, the food, and your co-creator?

PROD Finding street food in Dubai that resonated with me was a challenge – so much of life here is indoors. The shoot itself, though, was a mix of planning and letting the city guide us. Al Mallah, specifically, was a no-brainer because it’s been a constant in my life. From school days to university visits, I’d always swing by for a manakish or shawarma. In a city that’s changed so rapidly, it’s a rare anchor to the past.

Aesthetically, it’s frozen in time, the marble resin tables, the greenish interior, those vintage menus with the food photos. It all felt incredibly organic. While I had a vision for capturing that nostalgia, Pam’s presence and the energy of the location helped shape the story. We let the conversation flow naturally, and the images captured those genuine moments. In the end the location really chose itself and the story evolved with it.

DUYGU Street food often carries memory, ritual, and intimacy. Why did you select this particular dish and person? What story does it tell about Dubai’s culture?

PROD Al Mallah tells a Dubai story that’s deeply rooted in its early days. You’re sitting, having lunch, watching traffic, people walking to work, to home – in motion, living the day. That’s why I love Al Mallah. It’s a timestamp, no matter what phase of life I’m in, and lets me reconnect with all the different versions of myself that existed in Dubai.

What’s wild is that Pam shares that connection. She was just telling me how she was there two months ago, grabbing a bite. It just made sense, the perfect piece to the puzzle of us reconnecting with the Dubai of our past. It was genuinely beautiful and nostalgic for both of us.

DUYGU Sharing is a big part of it. What made you choose this person to represent your creative landscape?

PROD Pam and I have been creative collaborators for over a decade, so choosing her for this story felt so organic & right. She also grew up in the UAE, so she understands that third-culture kid perspective. We share a similar upbringing, a creative language that’s almost unspoken.

It was like any other day: I called Pam and said, ‘Hey, want to grab lunch?’ Except this time, I’d be shooting her while we ate. We had Lebanese food which is our favorite. No questions, no second thoughts. It felt inherently us. Sharing this meal, having a conversation about creativity, dreams, and aspirations… It was a genuinely great time, and that’s ultimately what matters.

DUYGU What does co-creation mean to you in practice, and how do you embody it in your work?

PROD Co-creation, to me, is everything in practice. In creativity, you need to communicate, collaborate, exchange ideas, and find innovative approaches. It shifts how you see the world. Honestly, it’s one of the most important things for a creative person. You help each other grow, challenge each other. It definitely plays a big role in my work.

Even my choice to shoot analog photography is a form of co-creation. It changes the way I communicate with talent – whether they’re celebrities, directors, or movie stars. The constant is that visual and creative connection. Whether it’s a photoshoot or a movie, there has to be an understanding with whoever you’re working with. I infuse that into everything I do. Communication is the most important thing in our daily lives, and it’s what we owe each other: the ability to openly communicate our creative language and find ways to create new things. And that, to me, is beautiful.

**Prod** was raised in Dubai, and continues to live there.

“My photography is defined by the people around me, the inspiration I draw from their daily lives, the way they move through the world.”

-Prod Antzoulis

DUYGU Do you think you are brave when it comes to life?

PROD That’s a tricky question. I don’t know if I’d use the word brave to describe my approach to life. Brave comes in so many forms, appears in different phases.. Brave can even be how you show up on set, how you approach a conversation, how you speak to yourself, the energy you attract. Those are all forms of courage. So yeah, I approach life with energy, confidence, and a thirst for knowledge. I love asking questions and learning new things.

DUYGU How does pushing boundaries take shape in your reality?

PROD Pushing boundaries takes many forms. For me, it was coming back to Dubai after studying in London. There wasn’t a consistent creative language representing the UAE’s culture. Pushing a boundary to me back then meant focusing on representation & shooting incredible talent from our region. Back in 2015-2016, that wasn’t the norm. Brands weren’t tuned into the power of authentic storytelling. It made sense to reconnect with Dubai to communicate, and collaborate with creatives doing amazing things, to tell their stories.

And now? It’s flourished into a thriving environment with diverse voices and incredible publications. Taking those risks, even when the path isn’t clear, is always rewarding. The challenges you overcome shape something amazing. Dubai in 2016 and Dubai now are completely different. Seeing that growth, that evolution, is incredible. Pushing boundaries is crucial for any creative. I still pursue those challenges daily.Growing as an artist means gaining the confidence to reach the next stage.

Six years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of directing a film. Now, it’s a reality I’m working toward through classes, courses, and immersing myself in the world of cinema. So yeah, I’ll continue to push, to create storytelling, to help represent our community here in any way I can.

Interview & Words by Duygu Bengi, Yankı Tan

Editorial Assistant Duru Ustaoğlu

Photography by Prod Antzoulis

Muse Pam Nasr

Unframed