These young Arab filmmakers are the ones to watch

Photo: The young and dynamic filmmakers selected to be a part of the Arab Stars of Tomorrow

Young and dynamic filmmakers of today, chosen to be part of the Arab Stars of Tomorrow initiative, talk about the support, finance, and expertise that are essential for fostering an industry that is now gaining momentum.

It’s a title that carries both pride and responsibility. But for the bright young cinema artists chosen under the inaugural Arab Stars of Tomorrow initiative in partnership with Screen International at the 2016 Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), this is only the beginning. So heads up—in the Arab cinema landscape, they’re the ones on the horizon.

“There’s pressure, but it’s a good pressure,” said Lebanese director Mounia Akl, who brought her film Submarine to DIFF as part of the Muhr Shorts category. Submarine is the story of a world drowning in rubbish, one that Akl hopes people can connect to. “Being chosen for this initiative puts a spotlight on my work, which assures me that my story is of interest to more than one person,” she said.

Coming from what she calls a “booming” film industry in Lebanon, Akl hopes there will soon be a way to unify the Arab film industry as a whole so that financing will be more easily available for those who have the right story to tell.

Photo: Lebanese director Mounia Akl

It’s a sentiment that’s echoed by Jordanian director Amjad Al-Rasheed: “Adequate financial backing does help take the stress off filmmaking and helps the industry progress.” However, he was also quick to add that, given the economic crisis, investors have different priorities.

“In any case, I don’t believe good films need to have huge budgets. If you have a good story, you can still make a good film,” said the young filmmaker, whose film The Parrot also premiered as part of the Muhr Shorts programme.

Photo: Jordanian director Amjad Al-Rasheed

This is where technology comes in; the digital age provides new devices and software that make filmmaking easier. “The advantage is that it gives us more infrastructure, but the disadvantage is that it cheapens the process, making people feel that anyone can make a film. It looks good, but [the] content is weak, which affects the industry,” says Al-Rasheed.

MORE EDUCATION, MORE RECOGNITION

Every good film starts with a good story. Although everyone agrees that there is no dearth of talent in the region, the right education, expertise, and exposure to quality mentors is missing.

“In Morocco, for example, we have only one film school, and I am one of the first graduates,” said Moroccan filmmaker Alaa Eddine Aljem, who was selected for his award-winning film Les Poisson du Desert. Aljem believes that initiatives like this help bring attention to a filmmaker’s work, past and present.

Photo: Moroccan filmmaker Alaa Eddine Aljem

“It’s unfortunate that we do not recognise our own talent, and it’s only when we get credit internationally that we acknowledge it,” he observed. Which is why he does not want the focus to be on the word ‘star’. “I would prefer the focus to be on the work, rather than the individual,” he said, and added, “We need to replicate talent scouting initiatives like this at the micro level, in individual countries, instead of clubbing the region together under the ‘Arab’ title, as each country has its own unique culture and challenges.”

A REGION BRIMMING WITH STORIES

Cinema is a mirror of society, and Arab filmmakers have a lot of stories to tell.

“The friction between our souls and the world we live in is something people are interested in seeing, because it also brings awareness and helps people understand life better,” said Akl.

Al-Rasheed wants to make films on topics that are not discussed in the Arab world, as he believes this will leave a legacy for the generation to come. More writing labs, for one, will bring new ideas and proper scripts to the region, while more cinemas will help make their films accessible to a larger audience.

A more unified Arab world, with open communication between the people who believe cinema is worth investing in, would make a difference, said Akl. “Being a filmmaker means being a witness to a time and a place. What we put out there will leave a mark, so we need to ensure we leave a good one.”

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