Ghasan ‘Sam Al Esai’ Alesayi: Exploring the Uncomfortable with Humor and Heart

Few artists possess the courage to tackle taboo topics head-on, let alone with a disarming dose of humor. Enter Ghasan ‘Sam Al Esai’ Alesayi, a Yemeni-Canadian filmmaker, writer, and actor based in Toronto. With a unique voice shaped by life’s contradictions and his own vulnerabilities, Ghasan’s work bridges the chasm between the uncomfortable and the relatable, often leaving audiences with a mix of laughter and introspection.

Currently, Ghasan is focused on the release of his documentary, Uncanceled, a deeply personal exploration of his arrest, the subsequent fallout, and his journey toward rebuilding his life and reclaiming his narrative. Yet, for Ghasan, storytelling has never been about pleasing others or adhering to the expected—it’s about honesty, humor, and growth.

A Comedy Born from Conflict

For Ghasan, comedy is not merely a tool for entertainment but a method of self-conversation. Reflecting on his evolution as a storyteller, he shares:“Up until a few years ago, I was still living in the surface world of ‘tell good jokes’ and ‘say something edgy because it’s cool.’ Now, it’s so much less about other people’s opinions and more me using comedy to converse with myself. If I can make myself laugh at an incredibly difficult topic, I know it’ll resonate with others.”

This vulnerability is what sets his work apart. He views humor as a way to process discomfort, a stark departure from shock-value comedy, which he describes as “cheap.” For Ghasan, the real challenge—and the reward—lies in creating something “shocking but heartfelt.”

From Stage to Screen: A Multifaceted Creative

Before becoming a filmmaker, Ghasan began his journey as an actor. With three years of classical theater training, he learned the intricacies of collaboration and developed a deep appreciation for great writing. He explains:“Working as an actor gave me a clear understanding of how difficult it is to deliver solid performances from bad writing. When I started to see the nuggets of gold that great writers create, I wanted to do the same in my scripts.”

His acting credits include roles in popular TV shows like Sex/Life, What We Do in the Shadows, and The Umbrella Academy. These experiences shaped his approach to storytelling, inspiring him to craft characters and narratives that challenge both the performers and the audience.

Winning the Dora Mavor Moore Award for La Chasse Galerie remains a highlight of his career. He recalls:“That was a wild time. I went into the play thinking it was just a fun Christmas musical. Accepting the award was surreal and taught me that, without sounding corny, anything is possible.”

The Journey Behind Uncanceled

Ghasan’s documentary Uncanceled is as much about redemption as it is about friendship. Directed by Mikelle Virey, the project initially focused on Ghasan’s efforts to rebuild his reputation after a false arrest and public shaming. However, as the film evolved, it became a meditation on forgiveness and accountability.

“This documentary became a way for Mikelle and me to bond after not speaking for nearly a year. It’s not just about cancel culture—it’s about his journey to decide if I’m worthy of being ‘uncanceled’ in his eyes, while I try to uncancel myself online,” Ghasan explains.

The collaborative effort extended to co-producer and cinematographer Matt Hamilton, whose input elevated the project beyond what Ghasan could have envisioned.

Cultural Roots and Universal Stories

Though Ghasan identifies as Yemeni-Canadian, he resists being pigeonholed by his heritage. He notes:“My stories are about me as a human, not me as an identity. I’ve only written one piece about my inner conflict between my Canadian and Yemeni sides. For the most part, I’m Canadian. I’ve lived here since I was five.”

This universal approach allows his work to resonate with a broader audience, focusing on shared human experiences rather than cultural divides.

Balancing It All

Authenticity breeds creative freedom

Ghasan’s multifaceted career—spanning acting, writing, and filmmaking—might seem overwhelming, but for him, these roles are deeply interconnected.“It’s all about vulnerability and staying true to who I am. I’m no longer in the business of pleasing others, regardless of the medium. I do things that make me happy and scare the hell out of me.”

A Visionary Voice in Film

With his fearless approach to storytelling and commitment to authenticity, Ghasan ‘Sam Al Esai’ Alesayi is a filmmaker to watch. Whether he’s exploring the humor in life’s darkest corners or redefining narratives around redemption, his work offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be human.

Catch a glimpse of his powerful storytelling in the trailer for Uncanceled here. For more about his work, visit Sam Al Esai’s website.