Short Film Review: WAShhh (2024) by Mickie Lai
Lee Kah Giap’s black-and-white cinematography works quite well here, adding in a way, to the tension that is instigated by both the story and Wong Kai Yun’s sharp editing, in a film that scores quite high on production values overall. “WAShhh” is a great film, that manages to communicate a series of comments and a very entertaining story/event in just over 20 minutes. What becomes evident, is that Lai is more than ready to shoot a feature, perhaps even with the same theme.
Video Interviews: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Short Film Review: Saint Rose (2024) by Zayn Alexandre
The cinematography is rather polished, in a way that mirrors the spotlessness of the house, making the aforementioned comment more intense, with the tension, however, coming more from the acting and the sound than the visuals. The editing results in a fast tempo that allows the story to be told without rushing in the 13 minutes of the movie. “Saint Rose” is an appealing short, which presents its comment in entertaining and smart fashion, while the acting emerges as one of its best traits.
Video Interviews: Areeb Zuaiter
Film Review: The Sandcastle (2024) by Matty Brown
Considering the above, the performances, expectedly, suffer, since the writing is quite problematic, again with the exception of the aforementioned last scene. Nadine Labaki as Yasmine is impressive, but more for her overall presence and not exactly her performance, while Ziad Bakri as Nabil has his moment close to the end, but that is all there is. The two young actors, Zain Al Rafeea as Adam and Riman Al Rafeea as Jana seem to suffer the more here, in two roles that make very little sense and do not allow them to show their talent.
Video Interviews: Mozhdah Jamalzadah
Film Review: Songs of Adam (2024) by Oday Rasheed
Azzam Ahmed as Adam gives an imposing performance, with the fact that he manages to appear more mature as the ages pass while still being a kid, being the apogee of his performance. Alaa Najm as Iman (woman) steals the show in a particular scene, which is the most tense in the whole movie, and definitely among the most memorable ones. “Songs of Adam” is an excellent film, one that manages to work on a number of levels, without neglecting the production values in any way.
Interview: Oday Rasheed and Azzam Ahmed Ali
The film delves into societal constructs, including the interplay between religion, science, and personal decisions. Rasheed described poetry as being caught “between religion and science,” a theme that resonates throughout the film. While the authority figures in Adam’s life attempt to categorize him through these lenses, Adam himself remains mystified by their actions.
The patriarchal nature of society is another focal point. Rasheed clarified that he doesn’t endorse patriarchy, stating, “We are a patriarchal society, and I don’t like it. In the movie, I describe it, but it’s up to the viewer to interpret it.”
