A BAHRAINI short film that captures the life of an expatriate worker will be screened at an international film festival that opens in India today.
The Arabic film Jeshoo, directed by Bahraini Mohammed Sudaif, was shot in different villages last year during the pandemic.
It revolves around the life of an expatriate worker – played by Indian resident Dinesh Mavoor – who surmounts the obstacles he faces in his daily life.
Message
“I made this film to send out a message to society that a labourer has the right to be respected, have decent work and to be treated equally regardless of his gender, colour or religion,” Mr Sudaif told the GDN.
“The film promotes equality and most importantly aims to aspire others to strive for it too.”
Jeshoo has been produced by Bahrain-based Final Media and promoted by Naqsh Films.
“We are excited about this short film shot last year during the pandemic at different locations in the country,” said Naqsh Films general manager and Jeshoo’s co-director Mohammed Maskati.
“The film’s story is about a semi-skilled expatriate worker who works hard to support his family back home.
“He is trying to do his job but faces so many obstacles that leads to disappointment, but also brings hope.”
Mr Maskati said the film crew is a mix of Bahraini and expatriates who worked together last year.
“There were challenges due to the pandemic but we followed all health protocols as we shot in different villages.”
“Now we are excited to announce that our film has been selected to be screened at the 14th edition of the Folklore Film Festival, that is organised by the International Film Festival Thrissur (IFFT), in the Indian state of Kerala, from January 8 until January 10.”
The fourth edition will be held in the hybrid (both online and physical) format due to Covid-19 restrictions. The films would be screened on an exclusive digital platform.
“We plan to release the film soon in Bahrain and are confident people would love it,” added Mr Maskati.
“It is our mission at Naqsh Films to use movies as a powerful medium to promote Bahrain culture and identity.”
“We have organised film festivals in the past to promote Bahrain as the regional hub for short films.”
The Masafa (Distance) Short Film Festival organised last year by Naqsh Film focused on different households across the country and showcased how each family tackled social distancing and quarantine.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))