Live!

I will be - and have been - here (in the screen below to be precise) for the next six days of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012, interviewing some brilliant directors, actors, screenwriters and personnel from the Doha Film Institute, live from their respective Red Carpet events.

In the past couple of days, we've hosted the directors of The Lebanese Rocket Society, Joanna Hadjithomas and Khalil Jreige, homegrown talent in the form the directors of Arab hip hop/revolution doco Lyrics Revolt, and the Raging Bull himself, Bobby de Niro.

Over the next six days of festival, we will be hosting some of the most promising regional talents, including Ali Cherri (Pipe Dreams), Ehab Tarabieh (Al Mansiyun), Hanan Abdulla (In the Shadow of a Man), Damien Onouri (Fidai) and more.

 

Into the Wild

Buy the Molokhiya Monster tee from Jo-bedu.com

"What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark? It would be like sleep without dreams." Werner Herzog

I've been watching the making of Hellboy and a lot of interviews - mostly with Guillermo del Toro -about monster design, development and concept art. It's a world I find both fascinating and incredibly enticing, the birth of creatures so creepy, yet familiar and beautiful, at the same time. Carl Jung once said, “I deliberately and consciously give preference to a dramatic, mythological way of thinking and speaking, because this is not only more expressive but also more exact than an abstract scientific terminology, which is wont to toy with the notion that its theoretic formulations may one fine day be resolved into algebraic equations.”

Here is my attempt at capturing a tiny part of that experience; my monster/mythology wish list:

1.       Emborgification – to emborgify. The act of transforming a being of (essentially) flesh and blood into a partly mechanical/robotic entity, resulting in a technologically enhanced creation, i.e. a wizborg. Take Gandalf the Grey, with a hardy spirit of fire, but – to some capacity – a mortal’s body, emborgification into a ‘wizborg’ enhances Mithrandir’s powers whilst compensating for his weakened anatomy with a combination of synthetic and organic materials. The result is neither Gandalf the Grey, nor the White, rather Gandalf of Steel, a magician of the elements.  

2.       Nanobic Ziggurat – the plague-like morphology of funghi and the mystique of Martian meteorites are combined in these miniscule, nerve centers of power. At just 20 nanometers in diameter, the Nanobic Ziggurats would be the smallest organisms known to humanity, allowing communication with the Gods of the cosmic mountain, sans desert trekking. Their rarity would ignite battles between good and evil to determine either their extinction, marking the end of mankind, or the rise of a higher authority, multiplying their numbers in search of a foretold nirvana.

3.       Odyssire – pronounced: oh-dee-sire. Humanity’s historical, Biblical recklessness with the concept of an eternal, saving love is tested via these winged creatures of the night. Used by murderous, militant dictators in the inevitable War of the Worlds to weaken the leaders of the auratic New Age Resistance (NAR), the Odyssire’s inject a potent elixir into the pericardium using crystallized fangs, some reaching a length of 4 inches. Latching onto the victim’s chest, the Odyssire’s poison surrounds and overtakes the regular functions of the human heart, instilling feelings of loss and despair leading into an endless journey of loveless suffering and, eventually, death.  

4.       Molokhiaite – pronounced: moh-loh-khee-ayt. Barren, desert landscapes are this predator’s salvation as the shrub-like organisms grow under the protection of the shadowed Jordan Rift Valley. The only known living entity within a 650 mile radius of the Dead Sea (also known as the sea of  death), the Molokhiaite feeds off the extreme salinity of the earth around the lifeless body of water, readying itself for attack. When provoked, the Molokhiaite launches itself into any crack or crevice in the human body, seeping into the blood stream and procreating by the second, fuelled by the chemical reactions of high sodium levels and oxygen. The final stages of a human life post Molokhiaite invasion is that of internal herbal solidification, and death, combatted only by the golden droplets harvested by the Dew Collectors of Levantinople, from the leaves of the Black Iris of the Jordan River.

5.       Dune Guard – from the blazing pits of the Saudi Arabian desert, a creature from the long-forgotten ancient texts of the Middle Eastern mythology awakens. A mass of neither gas, solid nor liquid, but all three combined, the Dune Guard serves as the feared protector of the banished peoples of desolate lands. The Guard’s body is constituted of millions of vibrating granules of sand and star dust, growing in size – and hence, power – with every meteoric deluge that paints the barren landscapes. A thermogenic phlebotomizer at its core, the shimmering, immortal being mutates into bio-domes of resistance against the forces of nature and human foes alike, shielding its subjects with a vibrating wall of unbearable, searing heat and cosmic confetti.


Note: Find a different edit of this article on the Doha Film Institute website, here.

Let the Monsters Out

Károly Kerényi, one of the founders of the modern study of Greek mythology, once described the true myths created by modern society as, “…ageless, inexhaustible, invincible in timeless primordiality, in a past that proves imperishable because of its eternally repeated rebirths.”

In May the legendary Maurice Sendak, one of the world’s most beloved authors and illustrators, passed away. ‘Where the Wild Things Are’, his fifth and most famous children’s book, was first published in 1963. It has since enjoyed decades of literary devotion (over 19 million copies have sold worldwide) and been repeatedly adapted for film and, in 1980, performed in an opera which travelled from Europe to America. In all senses, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ is an example of living mythology.

The book and consequently the final major adaptation – a feature length film in 2009 – revolves around the story young Max (Max Records). He escapes the trials of childhood and enters a world run by monsters who eventually make him their king; Sendak’s interpretation of escapism and the desire to simply be big.

Similar to the original book, the film challenges the usual lightness of children’s stories. Max’s journey to adulthood and the growing pains that go with it are not washed over.

Over the years several directors approached Sendak to adapt his book for the big screen, with little success.Then Sendak met director Spike Jonze.

With a background covering the music industry, advertising, film and publishing Jonze was considered a visionary. His celebrity-heavy circle of friends also ensured his place in the spotlight. Icelandic starlet Bjork, rocker Beck, Fatboy Slim and the Beastie Boys are among his acquaintances.

Jonze, Sendak and other members of the “Where the Wild Things Are” team enjoyed a decade long relationship. Best-selling author and hipster sweetheart Dave Eggers developed the screenplay. Jonze shipped in 300 specialists and housed them in the world’s largest render farm in London.

Masterful acting, computer animation and puppetry contributed to the monsters’ organic texture, allowing the audience to relate to the emotions and nuance intended by Sendak. The overall effect and realness of the monsters added to the film’s whimsical feel, where Jonze played with light and shade in a manner supporting Max’s tumultuous experience.

Sendak, a sickly boy during his younger years, was plagued by life’s horrors; death and loss. By writing ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ a book initially deemed as controversial in its portrayal of fanged monsters as beloved characters, Sendak let his benign demons out.

Jonze’s adaptation stuck to the book’s message; it was honest, tender and got to the heart of the story. Becoming the king of your own fears is surely every child’s fantasy. Both Sendak (who probably suffered the desire intensely) and Jonze have made this a believable target.


Note: Original article can be found on the Doha Film Institute website, here.

Five Things on Thursday

My awesome friend, Tarek Es-bear, has adopted and adapted a new trend from the ever evolving digital hipster scene in the UK and introduced us to 'Five Things on Thursday.' Not unlike the roundups I've done in the past (like here, here and here), five things is meant to highlight the best of the best of your internet week.

So, I'm jumping on the numerical bandwagon (for this week at least) and recounting the top five videos/articles/one man Lord of the Rings shows, for your viewing pleasure:

 

1. Although I saw this a couple of weeks ago, and it is fairly old in internet terms, this short is pretty much one of the coolest, gutsiest and best made films I have seen thus far in 2012. Treading ever so lightly on a semi-apocalytpic, drug-induced mutation of a public announcement, check out 'The Gate' (dir. Matt Westrup).

2. You know those women, who are all (apparantly) about feminism, and girl power, not having kids and 'sticking it to the man'? Listen, I'm a Jordanian woman - if there ever was someone who was pro feminism, it would be me. But all this "marriage is crap" bullshit is ridiculous. Love is good, and personally, I'm a sucker for a good love story. Enter Jess & Russ and the latest example in this new, revamped online wedding invitation craze. It is LOVELY.

3. Film is what you make of it. Personal interpretation and value-systems dictate the success of a feature - alongside production prowess, budgets and execution, of course. In the past year, I've been exposed to some B-movies I would have never touched had I not made the friends I have. Although many of these are (putting it lightly) not my cup of tea (enter 'Green Slime'),  I have always respected the love some have for the genre. Although I could easily label some as sweaty jockstraps of an excuse for film, I don't, because a) that's mean, and b) I'm on this new zen diet where I try not to get worked up. Long story short, I know not everyone loved 'The Avengers', but I did and it is a wonderful two hours of escapism, alongside everything else (almost) that Marvel Comics have ever done. So here are a bunch of awesome geeks (including me - plug *cough* plug) talking about their favourite Marvel characters, embarassing photos included.

4. I love Guillermo del Toro. SO MUCH. So this week, I found i) a faun... having lunch... and, ii) Hellboy looking sad. Also, although James Cameron is meant to be producing, it appears 'At the Mountains of Madness' has been put on hold (thanks 'Prometheus'). Save it by joining the petition, here.
Note: Cameron lost one of the 'Pan's Labyrinth' notebooks that del Toro gifted him. Nice going, Jimmy.

Lunching faun

 

Image courtesy of Pacman on DeviantArt

5. The final link for this, my inaugural 'Five Things on Thursday' post, is courtesy of my 'Daddy Cross' friends who show us how NOT to do a crowdfunding video call-out. And Evrim Ersoy should reconsider a career in comedy.

My Thor

“How do you make someone stronger than the strongest person? It finally came to me: Don't make him human — make him a god.” Stan Lee, Creator of ‘Thor’, Former President and Chairman of Marvel Comics.

This is where the evolution of Thor as one of Marvel comics’ most loved characters began. For the generic film-goer or the average blockbuster lover, 2011’s ‘Thor’ was a delicious treat, whetting appetites in anticipation of what has become one of this year’s most successful films and the third highest grossing in the history of cinema, ‘The Avengers.’ For devourers of the glorious ancient mythologies of Scandinavia and the world at large, ‘Thor’ was a taste of the grandeur, nobility and sheer utopia of a world and people so unlike our own.

The storyline is classic in its depiction of power and bashfulness combined to create a force that is both feared and desired in turn. In fact, Marvel’s character biography for Thor is one which is uncannily reminiscent of an on screen symbol that transcends all modern interpretations of metahuman aptitude – enter DC Comics’ Superman.

An alien, God-like being, sent to earth, taught to live with humility and for the love and protection of humanity, Thor and Superman share personable similarities which have made the latter an icon for the last eight decades, and the former, a younger but worthy heir to the sub-human throne. The son of Odin, ruler of the capital of the Nine Worlds in Norse mythology, Asgard, Thor symbolizes much more than the flowing golden locks and shining armour of the Norse Gods. Thor stands as an emblem of hope for those with their hearts and minds firmly planted in the worlds of fantasy and mythology; an unashamed form of escapism to a story that continues to plant seeds of faith in a goodness beyond human capacity or understanding.

That is my Thor.

Note: Read the full article on the best of Marvel at the Doha Film Institute website, here.

From the Archives: I Geek You, I Geek You Not

Who is more of a legend than Stan Lee? Who? Hmm?

One of my favourite docos from last year; thought it would be fitting to repost seeing my recent coming out re my love of all things fantastical. Check out my review:

Film: Comic-Con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope
Year: 2011
Director: Morgan Spurlock
Stars: Holly Conrad, Chuck Rozanski, James Darling, Se Young Kang, Skip Harvey, Eric Henson
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comics


On viewing the trailer for Morgan Spurlock’s elaborately titled documentary: ‘Comic-con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope’ one immediate thought was raised in my mind, ”This is for the geeks”. And I wasn’t wrong.

I’d been a follower of Spurlock’s work in the past, starting with the controversial ‘Supersize Me’, which put me off fast food for the entirety of my adult life. The superbly successful ‘30 Days’ television series was also an intriguing example of the provocative work Spurlock has become known for. However, and as any cult-following droid lover will know, the term ‘comic-con’ in a film title was what excited me the most. Therefore, imagine my joy, then, at hearing ‘Comic-con’ was screening at the 2011 Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF 2011). There would also be a question and answer session with the man that brought a 30-day cholesterol growth onto himself in the name of art. This was a moment of celebration for all Qatar-dwelling fan-geeks.

As with any film or documentary viewing, it pays to set the tone in the cinema hall. With avid discussion of expectations and woops of genuine excitement echoing around the theatre, Spurlock didn’t even have to try and entice this audience. In a room packed with trekkies, anime fiends and wannabe zombie hunters to boot, an eager participant yelled: ‘May the force be with you!’ to the towering director. This audience was rearing to go; it was time to unleash comic-con fever.

Spurlock tells the story of comic-con – the largest comic-book convention and pop culture gathering in the planet – through the eyes of the different fans who gather at this annual celebration of film, gaming and, of course, comic-books. As we join the intriguing fans’ on their journey, we meet passionate amateur animators, tireless costume designers and lifelong comic-book vendors, all with incredibly different goals, yet united by their creative minds and love of this fantasy world.

‘Comic-con’ doesn’t attempt to dispel or reverse the labels society has plastered on this unique subculture. On the contrary, it embraces the stereotypes with endearing and quirky examples. There are secret stashes of costly toy robots, and scenes depicting blooming romance amid hordes of storm troopers. The film screams, “this IS geek culture” and then makes a strong case for why everyone should fall in love with its pointy-eared stars.

One of the main stories features shining star Holly Conrad, whose ‘Mass Effect’ costume conjuring is a visual delight for both the film’s audiences and a hit with the fans on the ground at comic-con. Conrad is is a prime example of the devoted comic-con-goer. With years of road tripping up her sleeve and a garage-cum-costume designing workshop in tow, she is a girl with a dream. Wholly dedicated to her dreams of turning pro, we are given the privilege of witnessing how comic-con helps her achieve just that.

Surprising the audience at the DTFF 2011 screening, Conrad marched on stage in her shiny Commander Shepard leather-latex war suit, sparking a lengthy round of applause and looks of genuine admiration.

Topping off the inspirational stories of the comic-con fans in the film, were appearances by the masters of this underground and over the top geek and cult subculture universe. ‘Comic-con’ succeeded in bringing the Doha audience close to tears of happiness; the most prominent of these instances being when president of Marvel Comics, king of the comic-book cosmos and original Avenger, Stan Lee graced the screen. Lee shared some charming anecdotes of his love of comic-con and this intoxicating world of possibility, alongside executive producer Joss Whedon, legendary funny man (and self-confessed geek) Kevin Smith and fantasy directing legend, Guillermo del Toro. Peppered throughout the thoroughly entertaining 88 minutes of the documentary, these insights lifted ‘Comic-con’ and brought dreams and aspirations to life.

So, if you’ve got that Lord of the Rings Blu-Ray tucked away in your cupboard somewhere, a toaster on a chain hidden under the pillows of your jewellery box, or a Chewbacca bobble-head lost in the depths of your office drawer, this film is for you. It’s time to put your inner geek on show because, as this documentary proves, we’re cooler than most people think.


Note: This post can be found in its natural home on the Doha Film Institute website, here.

Didi or Didn't He?

I've been ridiculously busy lately, working on the transmedia production side for upcoming films Topaz Duo : Cosmic Phoenix and Yellow (plug, plug, plug), hence my mini blog absence. However, whilst scouring the deep, dark depths of the internets for synth-toned Arabic percussion as soundtrack inspirations, I came across an old (ya3ne 3'abarah) track by master of Rai, Cheb Khaled - Didi:

I love his shirt. And her hair.

Am I crazy or are the first twenty seconds pretty much the inspiration behind - one of my favourite videos and songs of the last two years - MGMT's Electric Feel?

Perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Culture Club

“Poets have lamented the human propensity to not appreciate what we have until it’s gone.”

Photographer Dennis Manarchy is currently crowdfunding for an infinitely worthy project, attempting to capture and conserve the true essence of culture in America and the multitude of backgrounds and ethnicities that makeup the world’s most powerful nation.

Manarchy has built a camera to capture the faces of America in the most honest way possible; via 24-foot tall images that are impossible to Photoshop and display incredible amounts of detail. The camera - “big enough to house a small apartment” – is 35 feet long, 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide (see below).

The products are beautiful, the purpose necessary for the conservation of the most unique human quality, regardless of anyone’s qualms re the nation in question. I’d love to see something like this in the Arab world.

What would be equally amazing is if expatriates were considered every bit as part of each nation as it’s indigenous peoples. I’d love to see my face, as a Jordanian/Australian, used to represent Qatar – my home.  Possible? 

Sinister Peas & Awesome Internet

Today I had a conversation with a friend about how we were both closet pessimists, or what I like to call, ‘sinister peas in a pod’. I drew a picture to help illustrate this (see above). Meanwhile, elsewhere on the internets, lots of people tweeted, Facebooked and blogged links I thought were awesome. Here’s a list:

Crowdfunding gives production companies a run for their stupid money

Gavin Rothery, visual effects man extraordinaire (Moon, 2009), blows my mind with some SpaceDisco

The folks from Blog Critics drew up this nifty infographic about how awesome life would be if sci-fi films were real (click link at bottom of article)

MGMT’s beautiful animated video for ‘All We Ever Wanted Was Everything’

The genius ‘Why We Broke Up Project’ tumblr will make you laugh and cry

Scientists tried to freak us out with last week’s solar flare business, but it only created stunning photo ops, like this one in Sweden

Inconceivable! A ‘The Princess Bride’ remake is in the works, kids!

The @DeathStarPR Twitter accounts cracks us up (and freaks us out) with this pic

Considering a move? I hear Mars and Titan are looking pretty good

JT can thank Thomas Edison for there being any sexy in the first place, The First Kiss and more

Ryan Haysom’s new film, ‘Yellow’, is one to watch, and he’s got this blogging thing down to a tee

Tweet of the moment goes to random account @whattheffacts, with this gem #JoedeMaggio #MarylinMonroe 

A New Voice

It’s been a while since I’ve written a post. There are many reasons for my absence, the most prominent being that I once again felt like I had lost my way for a moment. So many changes and events have collided, making the past month or so nothing short of one of the most dramatic in my life. Now I know what you’re thinking, but no, I’m sorry, I didn’t win the lottery, so stop with your cheeky smiles. But seriously, one car accident, a banking catastrophe and a ‘shoved in the deep end’ situation later, and I think I’m back on track. I’ve also managed to land and start a new job amidst all the aforementioned drama, and that’s what I’d really like to talk to you about. 

Soul Food - Not Fried Chicken

This pic reminds me of that Roger Sanchez song, 'Another Chance'

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) ee cummings

Inspired by Air

Can I just say - and I know this is cheating because I should write more about this than I plan to - how much Im looking forward to watching The Virgin Suicides? I know Im over a decade late, but that doesn't make my excitement any less legitimate, thanks. The minute I have more than an hour to myself, this is what Im going to be glued to the screen for. Love, sex, passion, fear, obsession, religion, written by Sofia Coppola, with Kathleen Turner and James Woods - and I dont even like Kirsten Dunst but she does the naive, self destructive, innocence lost bit to a tee - all add up to a winning combination. So yeah, there's something Im looking forward to after the next two weeks of editorial torture are over. Good times.

Carol is NOT a girls name

Quite literally my new favourite 'person'. Fave quotes from 'Where the Wild Things Are' -

• Alex, 'Hey KW, do you wanna be with us? We're baaaad.'
• Carol, 'I'm just trying to eliminate the crazy.' Alex, 'Yea, I don't think the crazy's been eliminated.'
• Carol, 'Do you know that feeling when your teeth start to fall out really slowly, and then you never realised that they're so far apart and that soon you'll have no teeth?' ... Max, 'Yeah...'. 

BEAUTIFUL film. Watch it.