THREE talented Bahraini filmmakers have been honoured at a major regional film festival in Saudi Arabia.
Bahrain’s Hashem Sharaf, Mohammed Jassim and Mohammed Al Mubarak have put the kingdom on the map with their respective entries at the 10th Saudi Film Festival, held from May 2 to 9 at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture in Dhahran.
The annual event highlighted Arabic film and screenplay in competitions, seminars and workshops.
Mr Sharaf, who won the Best Short Film Award, expressed his joy at being recognised for his film Athr Ajmal Min Dhanb, which translates to ‘A Beautiful Excuse for a Deadly Sin’.
Filmed over two days, the 16-minute live-action, dark comedy addresses the challenges one faces while making unconventional life choices.
“I am incredibly happy that a true Bahraini story won an award at such a major festival,” the 32-year-old told the GDN.
“It shows audiences from around the world that despite being such a small country, Bahrain has a lot of talent, and has a lot of stories to tell.”
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The short film tells the story of a young man guiding a horse through a narrow stairwell to his apartment, all while his neighbours go against him. “One day, I got a call from my mother asking me to go to my grandparent’s residence,” the award-winning filmmaker, with a Bachelor’s degree in filmmaking and cinema studies from RMIT University in Australia, said.
“One of the neighbours was trying to get a horse up to their apartment and that is how I got the idea for the film.
“It reflects the struggles of Arab youth who cannot follow their dreams because society opposes them. It is about paying attention to other people and the community.”
Meanwhile, Mr Jassim won the Golden Palm for Best GCC Documentary for his film Bar Saar, which shines a light on donkey racing in Saar.
It follows Abu Ahmed, a referee in the traditional donkey races, and his relationship with his son. The film covers the race extensively, showcasing the exciting atmosphere and the passion people have for the heritage sport.
“I am honoured to win the award, especially because this was my second film,” Mr Jassim, 34, a government employee, told the GDN.
“Bahrain is one of the few places in the world where such races continue to be held. It deserves to have official backing and I hope it does one day.”
The filmmaker dedicated the prestigious award to his son, Jassim, who tragically died about 10 months ago.
“I had almost quit filmmaking entirely because I felt like I lost all motivation when he died,” he said.
“But then I wanted to achieve something for him and that determination kept me going.”
Mr Al Mubarak received a special honour from the judges for his experimental documentary Al Ayhila, which showcases the history of Al Fijiri music, its community and its influence. The music was rendered by the traditional pearl divers of Bahrain.
“I was incredibly proud to have participated and to receive the honour,” the 29-year-old filmmaker said.
“It was a good opportunity to not only meet filmmakers from across the region, but also showcase my work. I am going to use this experience to grow and become a better filmmaker.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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