Hi, I'm Mateen, an 18-year old full-time student living in Vaughan, ON and studying in my first year of Film Production at Toronto's York University. I have had a devoted passion for filmmaking all my life, having written and directed my own award-winning shorts in and around Toronto. I'm a vegetarian and a firm advocate for the welfare of animals and the protection of our environment.

I also love cinema, photography, and the Beatles. And doggies.

Since my journey across Western Canada last summer when I was 17, I have grown a stronger fondness for traveling—especially around North America, and as an aspiring filmmaker living at home who plans on entering the industry immediately after graduation, I believe these fleeting youthful college years is the only time in my life with the utmost freedom and possibly most relaxed I'll ever be, so I am trying my best to take advantage of that before I miss it. I've been known to be super adventurous, and this is the most opportune moment in my life to use all my time and resources toward exploring this gorgeous planet!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a solo traveler, I've been educating, immersing myself on all the cultures and ways of life I might have otherwise been ignorant to, and most specially meeting folks from every corner. While I am on my own on these trips, sometimes I'd honestly prefer a friend to meet with whom I can share these experiences with—particularly a local who knows the area better than I do (Obviously I hate traveling like a tourist). I'm indifferent to your political opinions, gender identity, religious views, etc... I really don't care man. I'll talk to and learn from anyone.

Interests

• animals
• photography
• film making
• music festivals
• film festivals
• vegetarian
• vegan
• folk music
• hiking
• solo travel
• films
• cinema
• climbing
• student
• the beatles
• landscape photography
• animal lover

Music, Movies, and Books

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere - Neil Young
All Things Must Pass - George Harrison
Bluesbreakers - John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
A New World Record - Electric Light Orchestra
Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! - Janis Joplin
Revolver - The Beatles
RAM - Paul McCartney
Kid A - Radiohead
Santana - Santana
To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan

Vertigo
City Lights
12 Angry Men
Walk the Line

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Won an award at TIFF for Best Cinematography for my short film when I was 17 years old — maybe my greatest accomplishment yet :-)
More recently climbing one of the most dangerous hikes in the world (Angel's Landing).

Countries I’ve Visited

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Israel, Italy, Mexico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada