At the Red Sea Film Festival, director Oday Rasheed and actor Azzam Ahmed Ali opened up about their evocative new film, “Songs of Adam“. The film, rich with allegorical elements, invites viewers to interpret its layers, while exploring themes of innocence, societal structures, and personal decisions.
An Allegory Open to Interpretation
When asked whether “Songs of Adam” serves as an allegory for Iraq, Rasheed emphasized the subjectivity of cinema. “I leave this to the viewer,” he remarked. “I totally believe in subjectivity when viewing any movie. These characters have their own dreams, pain, and happiness. If you see them representing something larger, such as Iraq, that’s valid. A successful movie mirrors life—where different perspectives coexist.”
This open-ended interpretation is central to Rasheed’s philosophy of filmmaking. He likens cinema to life itself, where shared experiences can be perceived in profoundly different ways, underscoring the beauty of diverse viewpoints.
The Eternal Child: Exploring Adam’s Journey
A significant theme in the film is Adam’s refusal to grow up. Rasheed revealed that this decision stems from Adam’s desire to preserve his innocence and avoid the challenges of adulthood. “He created a challenge against adulthood and death,” Rasheed explained. “This story represents my personal attempt to reclaim the child I lost while celebrating adulthood. It’s my war against growing up.”
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Azzam Ahmed Ali’s portrayal of Adam, who remains physically a child yet matures emotionally over time, has been widely praised. Rasheed attributed this compelling performance to Ali’s natural talent and their collaborative process. “We had daily conversations during filming,” Rasheed shared. “I was completely open with him about the character, even when it was challenging for him to comprehend.” These discussions, coupled with script adaptations tailored to Ali’s voice, allowed the young actor to deliver a nuanced performance.
Critiquing Societal Structures and Patriarchy
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.”
Challenges and Favorite Moments on Set
Filming “Songs of Adam” came with its share of challenges. For Rasheed and Ali, the most difficult scene was the train sequence during the film’s climactic moments. “The train was moving, the sun was blazing, and the physical demands were high,” Rasheed explained. Conversely, Ali’s favorite scene was the simpler, more organic sequence of collecting firewood with other children. “I forgot myself in that scene,” Ali admitted. “I was only Adam.”
Casting and the Journey to Find Adam
The casting process for “Songs of Adam” was a lengthy and meticulous journey, taking nearly nine months. Rasheed described how hundreds of candidates were filtered through a rigorous process involving applications, video interviews, and finally in-person meetings in Baghdad. Rasheed explained, “Azzam was already in my head from the beginning; this guy is special. But I wanted to see more. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I just liked him because we had a FaceTime.” Ultimately, meeting Azzam in person confirmed his instincts: “This is the guy.”
Improvisation and Cinematic Jazz
Rasheed embraces a dynamic approach to filmmaking, incorporating improvisation where possible. He described his philosophy: “I love jazz, and I believe jazz is a main element in any art form. Cinema is not an exception.” However, he noted that some scenes required strict adherence to the script due to physical demands or time constraints.
Visual Aesthetics and Cinematography
Rasheed views cinematography as an integral but understated part of storytelling. “Cinematography should be just like music. You feel it, but you don’t hear it. You see it, but it’s not a statement,” he explained. He strives to balance beauty and intimacy, avoiding the pitfalls of overly stylized visuals that detract from the story. This delicate approach is evident in “Songs of Adam”, where the visuals enhance the narrative without overshadowing it.
The Art of Editing
The editing process for “Songs of Adam” was a collaborative effort spanning nearly a year. The team included young editor Muhanad Rasheed and seasoned editor Hervé de Luze, known for his work on The Pianist. Rasheed reflected on the creative dialogue between the two: “The main pacing was what we were after—how we keep the excitement and drama without compromising the poetry.” This dynamic collaboration ensured a rhythm that feels alive and engaging.
A Director’s Satisfaction
Looking back on the project, Rasheed expressed pride in the final result. “I think I pulled it off. You don’t feel like you’re looking at it. You’re there,” he said. “Songs of Adam” represents not just a cinematic achievement but also a deeply personal exploration of innocence, growth, and the human condition.
